Juju Watkins on USC's first Elite 8 berth in 30 years: 'It means everything'
Juju Watkins carried the top-seeded USC Trojans women’s basketball team yet again on Saturday night, propelling them to their first trip to the Elite Eight in 30 years. She’s delivered time and time again in her historic freshman campaign for the Trojans.
And Watkins once again found the freon in her veins late in the fourth quarter of their Sweet Sixteen matchup in the women’s NCAA Tournament vs. No. 5 seed Baylor, lifting them to a 74-70 victory. Following the win, Watkins spoke with Angel Gray of ESPN on the floor.
She scored the final nine points in the fourth quarter. What was going through her head as she was able to will the Trojans to their first Elite Eight in 30 years?
“Yeah, I mean, I tried to win the game. That’s all I can do for my team. We deserve it. We’ve worked hard. So, I had to make sure that every minute counted. And I just tried to do my best on defense and on offense,” Watkins said.
Watkins finished the game with a masterful stat line, 30 points, six rebounds, and four blocks. She also drilled some clutch free throws in the final minute to ice the game for the Trojans. The 30-points were the second-most ever scored by a USC player in the NCAA Tournament.
What sparked the Trojans’ 6-0 run in the fourth quarter?
“We know what we expect from ourselves and Coach knows what she expects from us. So we always do our best to make sure that she’s proud of us. And that we’re doing what we need to do. Baylor’s a great team. We knew they were gonna go on a run, so it was just a matter of us going on a run too. Or trying to counteract that,” Watkins noted.
Last year Watkins said she was at home filling out a bracket for the Trojans in March Madness. And then, she’s helped to propel USC to their first Elite Eight in 30 years. How much does it mean for her to be a part of the program’s special run this year?
“It means everything. This is the moment I’ve dreamed of. I didn’t think it would happen so fast, honestly. But I’m just glad that I’m able to be a part of this team is so special. And it’s just a testament to what happens when you follow your dreams. So, I’m just here to do that,” Watkins finished.