Thursday night was a landmark moment for the USC women’s basketball program. The Women of Troy took down UCLA in the Crosstown Showdown behind a legendary performance from Juju Watkins.
Watkins was not the only Trojan who made history, however—the entire program did. Entering the game, UCLA was undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country. The victory marked the first time that the Trojans had beaten the No. 1 team in the AP Poll since the 1983 national championship game.
That 1983 team was led by Cheryl Miller, who was in the building Thursday night. Miller led the Trojans to the 1983 national title game, in which they took down top-ranked Louisiana Tech (with a guard named Kim Mulkey) to win the crown.
This game was obviously very different in that it was a regular season contest, not a championship game. USC and UCLA will meet at least once more this season on March 1 at Pauley Pavilion. There is a distinct possibility that the two teams could face off after that in the Big Ten Tournament and/or NCAA Tournament.
Thursday night, that was an afterthought. This was the Women of Troy’s moment to shine, and they did just that—getting a signature rivalry victory, and making program history in the process.
Let’s give you some more postgame comments and reactions from USC coaches, players, and fans, plus local and national media:
Press conference remarks
Akunwafo, a crucial foe for Lauren Betts and UCLA
JuJu Watkins trusts Lindsay Gottlieb
JuJu Watkins with a very genuine reflection on her relationship w/USC HC Lindsay Gottlieb.
“Coach has just, always been by my side throughout the whole process, and she calms me down in moments, and puts me in the right position to do what I do.” pic.twitter.com/icp5PnG033
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) February 14, 2025
Knockout numbers
Lisa Leslie brings the love
@Jujubballin really deserves to take every shot🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥When I tell you I am so proud to be a @USCWBB Trojan!!!! Fight on✌🏾 and congratulations Women of Troy!!!!
— Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) February 14, 2025
Talia von Oelhoffen postgame reaction
Not good JuJu — *great* JuJu
JuJu Watkins just put up one of the greatest two way performances I have seen and handed USC’s biggest rival and the lone undefeated team in the nation their first loss
I mean COME. ON.
— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) February 14, 2025
Simply the best
After the buzzer sounded on USC’s win over UCLA Thursday night, actor Kevin Hart shook hands w/JuJu Watkins — and then bowed to her.
She scored 38 points. Had 11 boards. Eight blocks.
Lindsay Gottlieb: “As good as anything I’ve ever seen.”https://t.co/hGmStedxNE
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) February 14, 2025
Trojans make the case for a No. 1 seed in March Madness
Down goes No. 1 UCLA as USC does what no other team has been able to.
The Bruins are no longer undefeated and USC earns the best resume win in the sport.
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) February 14, 2025
Key reminder about USC and the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament
One other thing to say about USC’s pursuit of a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament:
Remember that the Notre Dame loss was with Kennedy Smith injured. USC has only 1 loss with Kennedy Smith on the floor. That could definitely matter in a 50-50 type of situation/debate in March.
— USC Trojans Wire (@TrojansWire) February 14, 2025
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC women’s basketball recalls the Cheryl Miller era by beating UCLA
