Watkins Scores 32 Points as USC Defeats Utah State 118-40
The senior guard recorded 16 rebounds and five steals in her return to the court after a 20-month absence due to a torn ACL.
By Natalie Cooper ·
JuJu Watkins scored 32 points to lead the University of Southern California to a 118-40 victory over Utah State on Sunday. The game marked the Trojans' home opener at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Watkins also collected 16 rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the contest.
The senior returned to action after missing 20 months with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. USC fans gave her a standing ovation when she was substituted out with 2:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Her previous season ended with an AP Player of the Year award.
Watkins contributed 21 points in the Trojans' 100-68 win over UNLV in Nevada earlier this week. Her two-game total of 53 points underscores her immediate impact on the scoreboard. USC now holds a 2-0 record.
Saniyah Hall added 20 points for USC, which had six players score in double figures. The Trojans led 55-22 at halftime. Watkins had 16 points and nine rebounds at the break, nearly securing a double-double before the second half.
Utah State, which dropped to 1-2, relied on Kylani Rookstool for 12 points. Sami Mancini finished with 10 points for the Aggies. Watkins closed the first quarter with a 15-foot pull-up jumper, extending USC's lead to 36-11.
USC will host the College of Charleston on Tuesday.
