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After nearly 600 days away from the Galen Center, Juju Watkins made a striking return, leading the No. 3 USC women’s basketball team to a commanding 118-40 victory over Utah State. The senior guard demonstrated her elite talent in the Trojans’ regular-season home opener, reestablishing herself as a dominant force on the court.
Watkins, who earned first-team 2024/25 All-American recognition and propelled USC to consecutive Elite Eight appearances, had missed the entire 2025/26 season due to an ACL injury sustained during the 2025 March Madness tournament. Despite the long absence, the 21-year-old guard displayed no signs of rust in her comeback game, contributing an impressive 32 points alongside 16 assists, leading the team in both scoring and playmaking.
USC’s Offensive Powerhouse Expands
Supporting Watkins’ return, top freshman recruit Saniyah Hall continued her strong early-season form by scoring 20 points for the second consecutive game and dishing out five assists. Hall’s consistent production provides USC with a potent secondary scoring option, complementing Watkins’ leadership and making the Trojans a formidable offensive squad.
The decisive victory not only underscored USC’s depth and talent but also maintained their undefeated start to the NCAA season. Following Watkins’ celebrated return and the team’s dominant performance, the Trojans are poised to pursue a flawless record as they prepare to face Charleston in their upcoming contest.
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