Southern California’s JuJu Watkins led the Trojans to victory over Baylor in the Elite Eight of the Women’s NCAA Tournament, scoring 30 points in a tight 74-70 win. Watkins took over the game in the final minutes, scoring nine straight points and leading an 8-0 run to secure the win. USC will now face either UConn or Duke for a chance at the Final Four. Despite a difficult shooting night, Watkins credited her teammates’ trust in her to come through in clutch moments.
The win marked USC’s deepest run in the tournament in 30 years, with their last Elite Eight appearance in 1994. Watkins also achieved a personal milestone, becoming the second-highest scoring freshman in NCAA history with 891 points. Despite missing 20 shots from the field, she was able to make key plays and crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. Watkins emphasized that her focus is always on doing whatever it takes to win, even if it means adapting her game to different situations.
Baylor’s Sarah Andrews put up a strong performance with 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome USC’s late surge led by Watkins. The Bears, who were aiming for their first Elite Eight since 2021, ultimately fell short despite their efforts. USC capitalized on early leads and maintained a physical style of play to counter Baylor’s size advantage. The Trojans were able to weather Baylor’s comeback attempts and hold on for the win.
Watkins’ standout performance in the Elite Eight added to her impressive season, which has already seen her set USC’s single-season scoring record. With 14 games of 30 or more points this season, Watkins has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. She credited her teammates’ trust in her ability to deliver when it matters most, allowing her to step up in critical moments and lead USC to victory.
Despite facing a tough opponent in Baylor, USC’s resilience and Watkins’ individual brilliance proved to be the difference in the Elite Eight matchup. The Trojans capitalized on key opportunities and maintained their composure down the stretch to secure the win and advance to the next round. Watkins’ ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments solidified her status as one of the top players in college basketball, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the Final Four.
Looking ahead, USC will face a tough challenge against either UConn or Duke in the regional final. With a spot in the Final Four on the line, Watkins and the Trojans will need to bring their A-game to continue their tournament run. The experience of facing top-tier opponents and performing under pressure in the Elite Eight will serve as valuable preparation for the next round, where they will aim to make history and cement their place among the elite programs in women’s college basketball.
