USC Crushes UNLV 100-68 as Watkins Returns
The guard returned from an ACL injury to help Southern California defeat UNLV 100-68 in Las Vegas.
By Harvey Wilson ·
JuJu Watkins scored 21 points to lead Southern California to a 100-68 victory over UNLV on Monday night in Las Vegas. The result marked the return of USC's star guard to active play following a full season missed due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Watkins played 25 minutes for the Trojans. She finished the game with five rebounds and two assists. Her shooting efficiency stood at 9-of-22 from the field. The team extended its lead in the third quarter, turning a 13-point halftime advantage into a 34-point margin.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb noted that the roster supported Watkins throughout her recovery. Gottlieb said the group cares for Watkins as a human being. The coach described the team's dynamic as hard to describe but deeply supportive.
Sophomore Jazzy Davidson played alongside Watkins for the first time since the injury occurred in the NCAA Tournament. Davidson watched Watkins rehab during the previous season. Davidson called Watkins a great mentor who was present for the team while recovering.
Gottlieb is restricting Watkins' minutes as the player builds her workload. The coach said Watkins looks physically explosive. Gottlieb stated the focus is now on finding rhythm and comfort through competition. Watkins was not available for media interviews after the final buzzer.
Other players contributed significantly to the scoring output. Davidson finished with 23 points. Freshman Saniyah Hall added 22 points. The offensive performance demonstrated multiple scoring options for the Trojans.
The win provides a starting point for the team's season. Gottlieb expects Watkins to become sharper as the season progresses. The coach said the game is better with Watkins on the court.
