JuJu Watkins Makes History Tying Lisa Leslie’s Freshman Record

(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USC freshman JuJu Watkins showcased exceptional performance in their recent game, scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in No. 8 USC’s thrilling 71-70 victory over Penn State. With just a few minutes left and the Trojans trailing by six points, Watkins single-handedly turned the game around by scoring seven consecutive points, securing the win for her team.

Watkins’ remarkable feat also etched her name in the history books, marking her third 30-point game of the season. This achievement tied her with the legendary Lisa Leslie for the most 30-point games by a freshman in USC’s history, all within just five games into the season, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

“She’s special,” head coach Lindsay Gottlieb commented on Watkins’ performance. “There’s no more adjectives I can use.”

She added, “She keeps showing me new things. The most telling thing is how much her teammates freaking love her, because when she gets knocked down and battered, they’re going to play better, because they understand how hard she works and what a great teammate she is.”

Notably, Watkins also made an impressive half-court buzzer beater that evened the score with the Nittany Lions right before the halftime break.

WHAT. A. SHOT.

📺: @FloHoops
📲: https://t.co/rbVy2nVn8Q pic.twitter.com/tGV06GyCzm

— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) November 23, 2023

Watkins attributed her impressive performance to the trust and support of her team, stating, “I think it just goes back to the team. They put so much trust in me. Even when I’m turning the ball over — tonight wasn’t great for me — but they still believed in me and continued to empower me.”