JuJu Watkins Returns, Scores 21 in USC Win — SkimNews
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- JuJu Watkins scored 21 points in USC's 100-68 victory over UNLV on Monday, returning after an ACL injury sidelined her last season.
- Watkins played 25 minutes with five rebounds and two assists, making 9 of 22 shots and scoring 11 third-quarter points as USC turned a 13-point halftime lead into a 34-point advantage.
- Lindsay Gottlieb said the team had Watkins' back as a human being while restricting her minutes to rebuild her workload; she described Watkins as physically great and explosive but still finding her rhythm.
- Jazzy Davidson said playing beside Watkins followed a season of watching her rehab, called her a great mentor, and scored 23 points in the win.
- Saniyah Hall scored 22 points, with Davidson adding 23 as USC displayed multiple scoring options in Watkins' return.
Why it matters: USC regains a central scorer after an ACL injury cost Watkins the previous season, while Davidson and Hall supplied 23 and 22 points alongside her. The immediate change is a more balanced offense, with Gottlieb limiting Watkins to 25 minutes as her timing and comfort rebuild through competition.
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