JuJu Watkins just made her long-awaited return from an ACL injury that sidelined her for the entire 2025-26 season, and she wasted no time showing why USC has national championship dreams. Watkins dropped 21 points as the Trojans absolutely rolled over UNLV, taking the Hall of Fame Series game 100-68. It was like she never even left the court!
She Never Lost a Step: Immediate Impact for USC
Watkins last suited up for a game during the second round of the 2024-25 NCAA tournament, but watching her on Monday, you wouldn’t have known it. She looked awesome in her return, notching 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. This wasn’t just a quiet comeback, this was a statement!
Her teammates weren’t slouching either, putting up big numbers as USC dominated. Jazzy Davidson piled on 23 points, 5 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Saniyah Hall added 22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. UNLV struggled to keep up, with their top scorers Jayla Constant (10 points), Jasmyn Lott (8 points), and Meadow Roland (7 points) unable to dent USC’s lead. The Trojans came out hot, grabbing a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter, and honestly, it was never close after that.
That One Blemish? Who Cares When the Championship Is in Sight!
Okay, if we’re gonna nitpick, Watkins did struggle a bit from downtown, going 0-of-5 from beyond the arc in her 25 minutes on the court. But seriously, that’s like finding a tiny scratch on a brand-new Ferrari when she’s already hitting top speed. The overall impression of her return is nothing short of impressive, showing why she’s a USC superstar.
With Watkins healthy and back in the lineup, USC’s national championship aspirations are very real. The team kicked off the season ranked No. 3 in the nation, and they absolutely looked the part as they dismissed UNLV with little to no issue. Remember, their crosstown rivals, UCLA, snagged their first women’s national title just last season in 2025-26. USC, meanwhile, is still looking for their third title, with their previous two coming way back in the early 1980s. With Watkins back and firing, that long drought is absolutely in jeopardy.
The stage is set for an epic season for USC. With JuJu Watkins leading the charge, every game from here on out is a chance to prove they’re ready to bring home that championship trophy. Get ready, college basketball, this team means business!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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