JuJu Watkins' already-legendary freshman season earned some more acclaim over the weekend, after the USC star women's basketball player broke multiple school scoring records.
This most recent record occurred in the midst of Watkins' 30-point performance in a 74-68 loss to the Utah Utes on Sunday. Watkins passed USC legend and two-time national champion Paula McGee for most total points scored in a season by a freshman, with 705.
A special talent.
JuJu Watkins now holds the USC freshman record for most points scored in a season! pic.twitter.com/iwEHSEYdnY
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) February 25, 2024
Despite Watkins managing to produce another 30-point performance in the loss, it was an off night for her in terms of shooting. She went just 10-30 from the field, including 1-6 from behind the 3-point line; both are considerably below the 41.6% field goal percentage and the 34.8% 3-point percentage Watkins has produced so far this season.
Of course, not every game can be like the one Watkins had Friday night.
During that 87-81 win against an 11th-ranked Colorado team, Watkins scored a whopping 42 points, on 4-7 shooting from 3-point land and an insane 18-18 on free throws.
Not only was this 42-point scoring outburst the most points scored in USC's Galen Center by any USC basketball player (men's or women's) since the arena opened in 2006, but it also marked the 11th game this season in which Watkins scored 30 or more points. That broke the school record of Cheryl Miller — who was sitting courtside for the game — for most 30-point games in a single season.
After Friday's win, Watkins commented on what breaking Miller's record meant to her: "That's insane, honestly. But, of course, it's Cheryl Miller. A long way to go until I'm in that conversation, but I'm just happy to be able to be a part of that Trojan legacy and just continuing to evolve and grow the game and grow the culture here at SC, and I'm just excited to be a part of this team."
Watkins has kept that humble attitude throughout her record-breaking freshman season, and it seems to be a central reason for her success.
While breaking all of these individual scoring records is great, Watkins' focus is surely on leading her team to postseason success. Considering that USC is 21-5 on the season and ranked No. 7 in the nation, it appears to have a good shot at making a deep postseason run — especially with Watkins leading the charge.
