Watkins returns as USC overwhelms UNLV
JuJu Watkins scored 21 points in her first game back from a knee injury as No. 3 USC beat UNLV 100-68 in Las Vegas on November 2. Freshman Saniyah Hall scored 22 in her college debut.
Watkins returned to the court after missing last season with a torn ACL, helping USC open its season with a decisive win at T-Mobile Arena. She played 25 minutes, adding five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Watkins made nine of 22 shots and did not score from beyond the arc; she sat out the fourth quarter as she works back under a minutes limit set by the team.
Jazzy Davidson paced USC with 23 points, making 10 of 11 attempts. Hall went seven for eight from the field and also recorded seven rebounds and seven assists in her first college game. Sitaya Fagan scored 11 points, while Kennedy Smith added 12, giving USC five players in double figures.
USC led 52-39 at halftime, then pulled away with a 31-10 third quarter. Watkins scored 11 in the period as the Trojans made 14 of 20 shots and limited UNLV to three field goals. USC shot 58.8% overall, scored 52 points in the paint and turned 24 UNLV turnovers into 32 points.
Maia Rosarion was UNLV's leading scorer with 12 points, while Jayla Constant contributed 10. The Lady Rebels held a 40-35 edge in rebounds. UNLV is scheduled to host UTSA on Friday, while USC’s next game is at home against Utah State on Sunday.