JuJu Watkins Scores 21 Points in Return as USC Routs UNLV 100-68

JuJu Watkins made her long-awaited return to the court on Monday afternoon, scoring 21 points to help the No. 3 ranked USC Trojans defeat UNLV 100-68 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Playing in her first official game in 588 days, Watkins logged 25 minutes of action, adding five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.

The senior guard had been sidelined since suffering a torn ACL in her right knee during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Visibly emotional following the final buzzer, Watkins reflected on the arduous rehabilitation process required to return to competitive play. "So many hours went into this," she said in a postgame interview while wiping away tears. "There were days where I could've given up, and so I kept pushing through and I'm just grateful that I'm here."

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised the impact of having her star player back in the lineup. "Imagine not playing a game for 580-something days when you love the game as much as she does," Gottlieb said. "The game is just better with her in it and I think she'll continue to get even just sharper, more comfortable."

While Watkins shot 9-of-22 from the field and missed all five of her 3-point attempts, she played a pivotal role during a decisive third quarter. Watkins scored 11 points in the frame, during which USC outscored UNLV 31-10 and stretched a 52-39 halftime lead into an 83-49 blowout. Gottlieb noted that Watkins remains on a minutes restriction as she safely works her way back into game shape.

The Trojans showcased a deep and potent roster alongside their returning star. Sophomore guard Jazzy Davidson led all scorers with 23 points on 10-of-11 shooting, while freshman Saniyah Hall added 22 points and seven assists in her collegiate debut, which included a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter. Kennedy Smith contributed 12 points and Sitaya Fagan chipped in 11, giving USC five players in double figures.

For UNLV, Maia Rosarion led the team with 12 points off the bench, and Jayla Constant added 10 points. The Lady Rebels struggled offensively against a swarming USC defense, shooting 35% from the field and committing 24 turnovers that the Trojans converted into 32 points.

With Watkins back on the floor and a strong supporting cast around her, USC enters the season with high aspirations of securing the program's first national championship since 1984. The Trojans will continue their season on Sunday by hosting Utah State at the Galen Center.