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After an absence of 580 days, JuJu Watkins made a triumphant return to the court for USC on Sunday, playing a pivotal role in the Trojans’ narrow 78-76 victory over Cal during an NCAA women’s basketball exhibition game at the Galen Center.
The redshirt junior guard, who earned AP Player of the Year honors for the 2024/25 season before suffering an ACL tear in that year’s NCAA tournament, wasted no time demonstrating she had regained her form. Watkins opened the scoring for USC just 14 seconds into the game, setting the tone early for the No. 3-ranked Trojans.
Watkins and Fresh Faces Propel USC in Tight Contest
Watkins continued to make key contributions throughout the game, including a clutch pull-up jumper that tied the score at 33 as the second quarter came to a close. Over her 23 minutes on the floor, she compiled 18 points alongside three steals and two blocks, showcasing her all-around impact on both ends of the court.
However, the victory was far from a one-woman effort. Freshman Saniyah Hall led all scorers with an impressive 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, marking a standout debut for the newcomer. Meanwhile, Jazzy Davidson added 18 points and led the team with seven assists, including crucial late free throws that helped seal the win. Those free throws came after Cal’s guard Lulu Twidale narrowed the lead to two points with a jumper and just 11 seconds remaining.
USC’s depth was on full display throughout the contest, as the Trojans amassed 14 steals and dominated the fast break, outscoring Cal 25-2 in transition opportunities. This collective effort ultimately proved decisive in overcoming the persistent challenge posed by the Golden Bears.
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