No. 3 USC absolutely blew the doors off UNLV, crushing them 100-68 in their season opener on Monday, November 2, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. But the real story? That was the return of megastar JuJu Watkins, who hit her first bucket in what felt like forever, 19 long months since March 2025. Yeah, you read that right: *19 months* without competitive action, all thanks to an ACL injury.
The Return of a Generational Talent
Watkins stepping back onto the court after such a brutal layoff was the moment everyone in women’s hoops was waiting for. She wasn’t just back, she was an absolute force, dropping 21 points and grabbing 5 boards in only 25 minutes of work. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb kept it real, saying Watkins “physically looks great,” but it’s all about “finding that rhythm” again. And you know what? That rhythm started to click by the end of the third quarter, complete with a dazzling reverse layup that was pure vintage Watkins. Gottlieb stressed they’re still on a “minutes restriction,” but the coach is confident, telling everyone, “She’s only gonna continue to get better.” Can you imagine? The casual fan wouldn’t have known she’d been out for so long. That’s how good she was looking already.
Beyond JuJu: USC’s Shocking Depth
Everyone knew Watkins was the headliner, the main attraction. But once that ball tipped, it became crystal clear she doesn’t have to carry this team alone. Nope, not even close. Reigning Big 10 Rookie Of The Year, Jazzy Davidson, went off for 23 points, 5 boards, and 4 assists. Then there’s America’s number one recruit, Saniyah Hall, who had an unreal Trojan debut with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Davidson nailed it when she said, “We have a lot of players that can do great things with the ball in their hands. But also we have a whole lot of unselfish players as well. And I think everybody’s willing to make that extra pass to get the best shot.” This team is deep, unselfish, and dangerous.
The Hype Is Real
You know the hype around JuJu is real when fans are coming from all over the country just to see her return. Folks from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and even El Paso, Texas, like Velen Castillo, made the trek. “I’ve been following her since she was a freshman. She got hurt, she sat out. But she’s back. And here I am,” Castillo said. Little girls in the crowd were rocking buns just like Watkins, looking up to her. Twelve-year-old Chelsea Lynn called her “a good inspiration for kids.” The impact is undeniable, both on and off the court. While Watkins wasn’t available to the media after the game, Coach Gottlieb summed it up perfectly: “If we can stay committed to the process of getting better at both ends of the floor, I think, you know, good things are ahead.” This win was just one game, but with this kind of talent and a fully loaded roster around their returning superstar, USC is ready for a marathon, and they want it to end in early April.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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