{
  "id": 19086302,
  "title": "JuJu Watkins dazzles in home opener, powering No. 3 USC to a 118-40 rout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/juju-watkins-dazzles-in-home-opener-powering-no-3-usc-to-a-118-40-rout",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-09T04:01:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/juju-watkins-dazzles-home-opener-040118836.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Los Angeles — Senior guard JuJu Watkins delivered a stellar performance, dropping 32 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, tossing in six assists and stealing five balls to propel No. 3 USC to a resounding 118-40 victory over Utah State on Sunday. USC made a grand home debut at the Galen Center, and the raucous crowd went wild as Watkins received a well-deserved standing ovation upon exiting the game with just 2:34 remaining. Her explosive return after being sidelined for 20 months due to a torn ACL was nothing short of electrifying. The 21-year-old has been a force to be reckoned with in her first two games, scoring a combined 53 points for the Trojans (2-0). In their season-opener against UNLV, Watkins contributed 21 points in a resounding 100-68 triumph. An early game highlight saw Watkins deliver a stunning buzzer-beating 15-foot jumper from the perimeter to extend USC's first-quarter lead to 36-11. Throughout the contest, Watkins demonstrated her all-around prowess, utilizing a crossover to disrupt Sami Mancini's rhythm, followed by a precise jump shot. She showcased her ability to orchestrate fast breaks, rebound effectively, and sink shots from various spots on the court, making it appear as if she were pre-injury. Saniyah Hall contributed 20 points for the Trojans, while six players netted double-digit scores. Utah State (1-2) was held in check by Watkins, who posted 12 points and Mancini added 10. The Trojans led by a staggering 55-22 at halftime as Watkins almost matched her double-double benchmark with 16 points and nine rebounds. USC's next match-up is against College of Charleston on Tuesday, while Utah State will host Idaho State on Wednesday.",
  "summary": "JuJu Watkins delivered 32 points and 16 rebounds as No. 3 USC cruised past Utah State.",
  "key_points": [
    "JuJu Watkins scores 32 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals in 118-40 win",
    "USC makes home debut at Galen Center, Watkins receives standing ovation",
    "21-year-old Trojans star returns from 20-month ACL injury"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}