JuJu Watkins drops 21 points in long-awaited return from ACL injury to lead No. 3 USC past UNLV in opener

JuJu Watkins returned from a 19-month ACL injury and ignited No. 3 USC's season opener with 21 points and 11 rebounds in a 100-68 victory over UNLV. The Trojans dominated from the start, outscoring the Lions 31-10 in the third quarter and holding a 55-21 edge at halftime. Watkins' explosive start included a layup and an and-one dunk, setting the tone for the game.

While she missed all five of her three-point attempts, Watkins' commitment to the game was evident. Freshman Jazzy Davidson added 23 points, and Saniyah Hall chipped in with 22 points and seven rebounds. This was Watkins' first game since tearing her ACL during last season's NCAA tournament. The injury kept her sidelined all of last year, but she returned in style, ready to show why she was a top recruit and a potential first-round pick in the WNBA Draft.

Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her excitement about Watkins' return, noting that the player's impact on the team is more pronounced than ever. However, there are still challenges ahead, including a tough game against No. 1 South Carolina on November 15. Despite the early tests, Watkins is back and ready to make an immediate impact on the team.