All eyes are on women's basketball this season. From Caitlin Clark approaching the all-time points record to undefeated South Carolina, the race to March Madness is heating up. But freshmen are stealing the show.
Leading the way is USC's JuJu Watkins. And if her name doesn't ring a bell, hear the toll loud and clear.
The freshman sensation put up 51 points in the No. 15 Trojans' 67-58 win over Stanford Friday night, setting not just her career-high but also the USC single-game record. Her total also marked the most points by a Division I player this season, and it all came against the No. 4 team in the nation.
After the game, Watkins sat down with the Pac-12 Network to talk about her historic night. "More to come," she promised of the record-breaking performance.
The name of Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark also came up. Clark is nearing the all-time scoring record in men's and women's basketball, but her career high sits at 45 points in a game.
"Caitlin Clark who?"
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) February 3, 2024
"Ah nah don't do that. Don't do that. Much respect there" -JuJu Watkins after scoring 51, the most points so far this season. pic.twitter.com/GKjjHW7jfx
"Caitlin Clark who?" asked one of the broadcasters.
The freshman shut it down immediately, putting respect on the Hawkeye senior's name and abilities: "Don't do that. Much respect there."
MORE: Tracking Caitlin Clark's path to become Division I's all-time scoring leader
Watkins' 51 points counted for 76% of her team's total scoring in the win. It's the highest percentage of a player the last 25 seasons. In the same timespan, the Trojan guard is just the second freshman to score at least 50 points in a game. The last to do it? Elena Delle Donne.
Watkins earned praise from WNBA Finals MVP A'ja Wilson for one of what should be many historic games in her career.
Watching Ju grow over these next years is about to be so exciting ✨ love this for her!
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) February 3, 2024
