“I had this attention for a year and a half, two years, and you’re going to have it for the next three.” That’s what Caitlin Clark told JuJu Watkins previously, and honestly, we are seeing it unfold in real time. The USC Trojans star continues to shine, breaking some of Caitlin’s records along the way. And could it have been any more fitting for the Iowa alumna to have her jersey retired in front of her successor?

Even though USC faced just their second loss of the season against Iowa, Clark, who was back in the building for her legendary jersey retirement, looked nothing short of impressed when talking about Watkins.

When asked about the rising star stepping into the spotlight, CC had nothing but respect. “I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit. Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance. But honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive,” she said. “She doesn’t need my help. She’s obviously really talented in her game. She speaks for herself.”

She also added that the Trojans guard is only a sophomore and she [JuJu] is only going to get better with time. And considering how good of a player she is, the W star admitted, “So it’s scary to think about.”

And the 19-year-old proved that scary part right on the court. She dropped 27 points, including 23 in the first three quarters, going 6-of-17 from the field and a near-perfect 10-of-11 from the free throw line. 

When asked about that insane takeover moment, Clark completely understood the feeling,  “You know, as a player, there’s nothing better than seeing the ball go through the rim. It just gives you confidence. She got to the free-throw line. That’s huge.” She believed that helped Watkins find her rhythm and make some key plays down the stretch.

But at the end of the day, Iowa wasn’t going to lose on a night this big. With the energy of Carver-Hawkeye Arena at full blast, the Hawkeyes secured a 76-69 win, marking their biggest victory in the post-Caitlin Clark era.

Iowa proves they won’t let Caitlin Clark’s legacy go to waste, pulling off the unexpected

As wrong as it might feel—given the experience, the chemistry, and everything in between—the comparison between the previous and current Iowa squad is inevitable. Jan Jensen has spoken about giving this group time, much like the team that led Iowa to two championships, who had the advantage of being together for years.

So, when Iowa faced No. 4 USC today, there was a quiet expectation in the back of some people’s minds that they might pull off the win. But realistically, against JuJu Watkins and Co., it felt like a tall order. That is, until Iowa actually made it happen.

The victory was more than just an upset, it was a statement. The win not only injected confidence into a team still seeking consistency, but it also set the stage for Clark’s emotional jersey retirement ceremony. And, truly, that wasn’t easy to do after coughing up a hefty early lead. The Trojans made it tense late, but Iowa held on.

Lucy Olsen stepped up huge, pouring in 15 of her game-high 28 points in the fourth quarter, while the team collectively turned up the defense, forcing five USC turnovers in the final 10 minutes. Watkins did everything she could for USC, dropping 27 points, but it was Iowa’s balanced effort that made the difference. 

From the start, it felt like something special was in the air. USC couldn’t buy a basket early, and Iowa was hitting shots left and right. With their alums Caitlin Clark, Gabbie Marshall, and Kate Martin in the crowd, it was the perfect way to honor the legacy and show that this new squad is more than ready to carry the torch.