JuJu Watkins breaks another USC record with 42 points in win over Colorado
This freshman has the Cheryl Miller kiss of approval.
When JuJu Watkins drained a deep three-pointer on the first possession of the fourth quarter to clinch her 11th 30-point game and pass Miller’s USC record for 30-point games in a season, the Hall of Famer sitting courtside at Galen Center kissed her fingers. She raised three to the sky.
Watkins poured in 42 points, also passing Miller for second on USC’s freshman single-season scoring list, to lead the No. 7 Trojans to an 87-81 win over No. 11 Colorado on Friday. USC (21-4, 11-4 Pac-12) pushed its winning streak to seven games, a surge that includes victories over three ranked teams.
JuJu Watkins overcomes shooting struggles to finish with 18 points and lead USC to a 58-50 victory over Oregon State for the Trojans’ sixth straight win.
Graduate transfer McKenzie Forbes had 24 points, seven assists and no turnovers. Whether it was her timely five-for-six shooting from three-point range or calm ballhandling during the frenetic game that included 35 combined turnovers, Forbes delivered everything the Trojans needed when they needed it most to take an important edge in the congested Pac-12 standings.
The Trojans and Buffaloes (20-6, 10-5) entered the weekend locked in a three-team traffic jam for second place in the conference. USC, which was also tied with Oregon State, is in contention to earn a first-round bye in next month’s Pac-12 tournament with a top-four finish.
Colorado finished the first half on a 9-0 run, making nine of 10 shots during the second quarter to withstand USC’s hot outside shooting. The Trojans made 10 of 12 three-pointers during the first half, including a perfect seven-for-seven shooting from Forbes and Kayla Padilla, but led by just four at the break.
Forbes splashed four three-pointers during the first half, including a three in transition that put the Trojans up by 10 with 3:45 remaining in the second quarter. The Harvard transfer pounded her chest in Miller’s direction. USC’s all-time leading scorer rose to her feet. She locked eyes with Forbes and slapped her chest twice.
Miller has been a regular courtside observer during USC’s resurgent season. The Trojans have welcomed rappers, actors and the brightest NBA stars to Galen Center this season. NBA Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood, Matt Barnes and WNBA All-Star Satou Sabally were among those who shared the row of courtside seats Friday.
Sitting courtside in a green flannel shirt, Miller leaned forward intently during play, resting her chin in her hand as she studied the action on the court. She hugged each player after the game as the team made its way through the front row of fans for high-fives and selfies. Miller grabbed Watkins for an extra moment in a strong, two-handed embrace.
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With 675 points on the season, Watkins is now eight points shy of Paula McGee’s freshman single-season school scoring record. She’s 139 points away from Miller’s overall team record of 814.
The freshman is on pace to break Miller’s mark in less than six more games.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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