HARTFORD, Conn. — JuJu Watkins didn't smile like the rest of his teammates during warmups Saturday. She seemed to be in her own little world.
Some people within USC's program said Watkins remains focused on game day.
“She's always ready,” one staff member said.
During the national anthem, Watkins bowed his head, closed his eyes and stood still like a statue. She didn't even flinch when the saxophone hit a sharp high note towards the end of the song.
Watkins was planning to run some errands on Saturday.
From the moment the game ball was thrown into the air to the final horn in a 72-70 win, Watkins saw No. 7 USC seek revenge in a game against No. 4 Connecticut State after the Huskies ejected the Trojans. He was doing his best to fulfill his mission. NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight just nine months ago.
She led the Trojans' scoring spree in the first half with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. She disrupted Connecticut's passing lanes, dove for loose balls and blocked shots.
Her teammates put out her fire.
The Huskies had no answer for Watkins and USC's hot 3-point shooting. They led 42-29 at the half.
But even though Paige Bueckers led Connecticut with an emotional second-half comeback, Watkins and the rest of the USC squad managed to survive and defeat the Huskies.
Salvation is sweet.
There was a lot of drama in the final seconds.
The Buccaneers looked frustrated in the second quarter.
Who could blame her?
Between No. 7 USC and No. 4 Connecticut, Buccaneer and Watkins were the stars and touted as “the best show on the court.”
However, the first half was a highlight for USC, with Watkins leading the way.
Near the midway point of the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers knocked down a jumper, making it a one-point game and sending the packed XL Center into a frenzy. The bookers celebrated the bucket by tightening their arms and screaming.
On Connecticut's next possession, Sarah Strong's go-ahead layup gave the Huskies a one-point lead.
With 31.1 seconds left and USC leading by two points, Watkins was at the free-throw line facing the Connecticut State student section.
White pom-poms and long balloons swung wildly in her peripheral vision. Her first free throw narrowly missed the mark, and the ball dramatically rolled off the rim. Her second was great, giving the Trojans a 70-67 lead.
Watkins made a critical mistake when he fouled Strong on a 3-point attempt with seconds left. Strong made the first free throw but missed the second and third. He then tried to throw a Hail Mary 3 at the end, but Watkins raised his hands and blocked Strong's view.
When the time ended, Watkins waved goodbye to the fans.
The showdown between the Bookers and Watkins lived up to the hype.
There was some drama in the wild Huskies comeback, showing the resiliency of Watkins and the Trojans.
This time, Watkins and USC had the advantage in Connecticut.
Watkins scored a game-high 25 points. She also had six rebounds and five assists. The Buccaneers scored 15 of their 22 points in the second half.
Saturday's game showed Watkins' growth over last season. She was efficiently doing shot makeup. Her gravitational pull created opportunities for her teammates.
