Watkins Shines in USC Return

LOS ANGELES, CA — JuJu Watkins made her long-awaited return to Galen Center on Nov. 8, recording 32 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, six assists and five steals as No. 3 USC defeated Utah State 118-40 in its home opener.

The victory improved USC to 2-0, but beyond the final score, the Trojans offered an early look at how Watkins, Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith are developing their chemistry. With 29 team assists and only seven turnovers, USC demonstrated its ability to create scoring opportunities through ball movement rather than depending on one player.

Playing before 7,807 fans, the Trojans shot 60% from the field while holding Utah State to 28.1%. The 78-point margin of victory was the second largest in program history.

Watkins, playing her first regular-season home game since suffering a torn ACL in March 2025, received a warm welcome during player introductions. Her first basket came on a fast-break driving layup with 6:19 remaining in the opening quarter. She later made a buzzer-beating three-pointer, giving USC a 36-11 lead.

Davidson opened the game with a three-pointer assisted by Smith just 14 seconds into the contest. The early connection was a glimpse of what head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has been working toward with her talented group of guards.

Davidson finished with 12 points, three rebounds and six assists, matching Watkins for the team lead in assists. Smith contributed seven points and four assists without committing a turnover.

Together, the three guards accounted for 16 of USC’s 29 assists, showing how their individual strengths can complement one another.

During the postgame press conference, Watkins spoke about the enjoyment of playing alongside other talented scorers.

“I think it’s just like a lot of fun,” she said, describing the opportunity to pass the basketball and trust her teammates to make plays.

Rather than forcing shots, Watkins emphasized the importance of allowing the game to develop naturally.

“Just letting the game come to me,” she explained when discussing her patience on the floor.

With Davidson, Smith and freshman Saniyah Hall creating scoring opportunities, Watkins can contribute offensively without having to initiate every possession.

That approach reflects Gottlieb’s offensive philosophy, which she discussed during October’s media day.

The coach wants USC to play with spacing, movement and an emphasis on finding the best available shot. During Sunday’s postgame discussion, she explained that having multiple players who can score, defend and create opportunities should make the entire team more efficient.

For Davidson, the adjustment presents another opportunity for growth. Last season, she became USC’s leading scorer while Watkins recovered from her injury. Now, instead of carrying much of the scoring responsibility, the sophomore can continue developing as a playmaker.

Smith brings another dimension through her decision-making and defensive presence.

The rotations also offered something worth watching. At times, Smith entered as Watkins exited, limiting opportunities to see all three guards together. However, USC continued moving the basketball effectively through different combinations.

The supporting cast also contributed. Hall scored 20 points for the second consecutive game, while Sara Okeke added 12, Sitaya Fagan finished with 11 and Laura Williams contributed 10.

USC dominated inside, outscoring Utah State 72-22 in the paint. The Trojans grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and converted those opportunities into 32 second-chance points.

Defensively, USC maintained its intensity even with a comfortable lead. Utah State managed only eight points in the fourth quarter, and the Aggies did not collect an offensive rebound in the second half.

For Watkins, the evening was also personal. At media day, she anticipated an emotional return to her home court, particularly with her family in attendance.

Following Sunday’s victory, she expressed appreciation for being back at Galen Center while acknowledging that she is still regaining her feel for the game.

Gottlieb also confirmed that Watkins, Smith and Brooklyn Shamblin were selected as team captains, recognizing their leadership and experience within the program.

Although one game cannot determine how USC’s rotation will develop against stronger competition, Sunday’s performance provided an encouraging beginning.

The question moving forward is not whether Watkins can score, but how her return will continue influencing Davidson, Smith and the rest of the roster.