Watkins 32-Point Double-Double Leads USC in Home Opener Victory

LOS ANGELES — The No. 3 USC Trojans Women's basketball squad secured a convincing win on Sunday in their home opener, defeating the Utah State Aggies 118-40.  

In her return to the Galen Center for a regular-season game, JuJu Watkins made her impression felt, leading the Women of Troy with a double-double — 32 points and 16 rebounds. 

"Just letting the game come to me is really important," Watkins said on her performance. 

The first quarter of play went as well as expected in their home opener. USC shot 13-for-17 from the floor as a team, outscoring the Aggies 36-11 in the opening frame. 

Jazzy Davidson kicked off the scoring, pulling up for a corner three on the right side. The Women of Troy would go 4-for-6 from beyond the arc in just the first quarter, with true freshman Saniyah Hall shooting a perfect 2-for-2 from three. 

Hall lead USC in points with 10 on 4-for-4 shooting in the first quarter. 

Watkins, who was making her return to the Galen Center for regular-season play, capped off the first quarter in signature Watkins fashion, draining a buzzer-beater three from the top of the key. 

She continued her outpouring in the second quarter and headed into the halftime tunnel with 16 first-half points. 

The Women of Troy's defense squashed any chance of an Aggies offense outbreak  —holding Utah State to just 11 points in each of the first two quarters and were on pace for yet another 100-point performance in back-to-back games. 

USC did just that, passing the 100-point mark at the halfway point of the fourth quarter. 

Watkins did not let up in the third quarter, however, leading the Women of Troy with eight points and snagging five boards in the process. Alongside her was Hall, who had six points in the third quarter and was second in total points scored with 20. 

Again, Watkins led the Trojans in points scored in the fourth with eight, and finished her night knocking down 16 second-half points in the lopsided win. By the end of the contest, six different Trojans were in double digits (Sara Okeke with 12 points, Hall with 20 points, Jazzy Davidson with 12 points, Watkins with 32 points, Satiya Fagan with 11 points, and Laura Williams with 10 points). 

"This season, so far, is my favorite game to be back in Galen," Watkins said. "It was a great night for all of us, so it was important." 

With the win, the Trojans start the season at a perfect 2-0 with back-to-back 100-point performances. The Women of Troy have a day off on Monday before hosting the College of Charleston Cougars on Tuesday at the Galen Center.