LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins delivered an impressive performance by achieving a career-high of 40 points and setting a school record with nine successful 3-pointers, leading No. 6 Southern California to a decisive 94-52 victory over Cal Baptist on Tuesday night.
The Trojans (7-1) marked their third consecutive dominant win following a defeat to then-No. 6 Notre Dame, where they lost 74-61 on Saturday.
In addition to Watkins’ stellar showing, Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Talia von Oelhoffen added 14 points and six assists to the mix, while Rayah Marshall chipped in with 10 points and 10 boards.
Watkins had a slow start, scoring only five points in the opening quarter. However, she quickly found her rhythm, tying her career-best record with her sixth 3-pointer in the third quarter and adding three more before exiting the game with 4:08 left on the clock.
On the opposing side, Grace Schmidt was the standout for the Lancers (0-9), scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
### Key Insights
For Cal Baptist, the challenges have mounted this season, starting with a 30-point loss to Oregon. The team has lost every game by a double-digit margin, compounded by the absence of several key players due to injuries.
For USC, both Watkins and Iriafen have been standout performers, scoring in double figures in all eight games thus far. Notably, this match marked Watkins’ 16th career game scoring 30 points or more—14 of which were achieved during her freshman year.
### Defining Moment
Watkins showcased exceptional proficiency from beyond the arc, converting 9 of 11 attempts to surpass the previous school record of seven 3-pointers. She made a single 3-pointer in the first quarter but caught fire in the second, sinking three consecutive shots from long range. Prior to this game, she had been shooting just 25% from 3-point range.
### Significant Statistic
The Trojans achieved a season-high with 12 blocked shots and displayed solid teamwork with 20 assists against just nine turnovers.
### Upcoming Matches
Next, Cal Baptist will face St. Mary’s on Saturday as they navigate through a stretch of five consecutive road games. Meanwhile, USC will make its Big Ten debut by traveling to Oregon the same day.
