JuJu Watkins has transformed the USC Trojans into something they hadn’t experienced in program history – a win over the traditionally strong UConn Huskies. Geno Auriemma has ruled with tight reins on his program, and even if it’s been eight years since the last championship, Connecticut remains a powerhouse. But USC is ready to topple them.

The AP Rankings for this week were just released and surprise, surprise – USC has gone up three spots, from No. 7 to No. 4. As they celebrate in the top 5, UConn is reeling as the Huskies take the Trojans’ old spot by going down three. The much-anticipated match-up of Watkins and Paige Bueckers did end satisfactorily, if you were rooting for the underdogs, that is.

Auriemma’s squad has been struggling this season, despite Bueckers being back in full form. Azzi Fudd is going through some injury trouble but that should not stop the rest of the team. Rather, it’s been two months of a rollercoaster ride without the good feeling of going up and only the dread of coming down.

It’s going to be a tougher Christmas than usual for the Huskies, who have held the record 3-0 against the Trojans in their previous match-ups. But this was a special one as not just two top 10 teams battled but also two of the best players in the league right now. Paige Buckets, largely expected to be the No. 1 draft pick in 2025, and Watkins replicating that feat when she’s eligible in 2027.

It was a revenge game for USC who got sent home by No. 3 seed UConn in the Elite Eight as the first seed. While it was a satisfactory end for Watkins, who shed a few tears after last year’s defeat, this win was certainly a bit different.

JuJu Watkins takes revenge but it’s not enough

The USC Trojans were not a traditional powerhouse like the UConn Huskies, not before JuJu Watkins. The 2023 national freshman of the year suddenly arrived on the scene and USC was suddenly returning to the Final Four for the first time since 1986. Then came the Huskies, participants in 23 Final Fours and winners of 11 national championships, and upended their plans.

“It was an Elite Eight game, clearly it weighs differently,” the sophomore sensation said. “Last year it meant a little bit more. Avenging that was important.” And while the Trojans did that in front of a crowd of nearly 16,000 fans, which Watkins had never done before, it’s certainly history-making.

“It feels great to get the dub always,” Watkins said. “I think it hit a little different knowing the history of last year and how they sent us home. It was just great to see everybody that came out. I don’t think I’ve ever played in front of so many people.”

If and ever they meet on the court again, both sides will be looking for yet another victory and it’s sure to be a high-octane match-up. JuJu Watkins vs. Paige Bueckers, USC vs. Trojans, Top 10 team vs. Top 10 team. Sparks will fly again!