College basketball is in a constant state of evolution. But some stories don’t get rewritten. Thursday night played out like a painful rerun for the Bruins. A nightmare on repeat as their fiercest rival delivered the gut punch that shattered their perfect season. When JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans stepped onto the court at the Galen Center to face the unbeaten UCLA Bruins, no one could have predicted the sheer dominance that would unfold.

By the final buzzer, Watkins had not only led her team to victory but had single-handedly outscored more than half of UCLA’s total points. With a relentless 38-point performance, she left the Bruins stunned as USC cruised to a commanding 71-60 win. But the statement didn’t end there. As the dust settled, one of USC’s teammates added a final twist, sealing the Bruins’ fate and cementing the Trojans’ dominance.

This wasn’t just a win—it was an announcement. The Trojans are no longer just a team to watch—they are a force to be reckoned with. However, here’s the kicker—while Watkins was the undisputed star of the night, her teammate and guard Talia von Oelhoffen made sure to leave her mark, just in a different way. After the game, Talia couldn’t resist having a little fun at UCLA’s expense.

Taking to social media, she playfully joked, “Think I got food poisoning from the Uncrustable I ate at halftime. If anyone cares. Anyways, we run LA. Goodnight.” She even added a photo of herself clutching her stomach, turning the lighthearted jab into an instant viral moment. The internet erupted, and UCLA fans were left with a little extra salt in the wound.

This win was monumental for USC. Not only did it snap a 42-year drought, but it also solidified the Trojans as legitimate Big Ten contenders. It marked their first victory over a top-ranked team since 1983. A statement-making achievement that signaled their rise among college basketball’s elite. Now sitting at 22–2 overall and 12–1 in conference play, USC is in prime position for a deep NCAA tournament run.

For JuJu Watkins, this game was more than just another win—it was a defining moment in her career. Her legendary performance against UCLA not only propelled the Trojans forward but also cemented her status as one of the brightest young stars in the sport.

JuJu Watkins’ historic performance steers USC to the top of the Big 10

JuJu Watkins did more than just play well; she was on fire! Watkins was everywhere on the court, tallying 38 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 8 blocks (career high). In addition, she was 6-of-9 from three, making her shots appear simple. However, there is something more that made this performance even more memorable.

She became the first player in the last 20 years of Division I basketball to put up at least 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game. No one else has done that in recent memory. What’s even more impressive is that Watkins had been in the middle of a bit of a scoring slump. However, when the spotlight was on her, she delivered in the biggest way possible to prove that she’s a player that can rise to the occasion. USC’s Lindsay Gottlieb described her performance as “otherworldly.”

Moreover, UCLA junior guard Kiki Rice had this to say about Watkins, “Good players make good plays, and she made a lot of good plays tonight and hit a lot of good shots.”  There is a reason that Watkins is regularly hailed as one of the top players in women’s college basketball history. And this triumph was a good reminder!

In addition, her game was noticed by more than just the basketball fans. Her magic against the Bruins was witnessed by celebrities like Kevin Hart, Issa Rae, and even basketball legend Cheryl Miller. While USC ripples the Big Ten waters, one thing is for sure: JuJu Watkins is a name that you want to remember.

Her performance against UCLA was not just a win for USC. It was a statement to the whole college basketball world that this is just the beginning for her. Player of the Year? The more likely to be a reality. Let us know what you think of this performance by USC.