HARTFORD, Conn. — In a thrilling encounter that featured two of women’s basketball’s shining stars, JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, the night was electrifying. Watkins played a pivotal role in leading No. 7 USC to a narrow 72-70 victory over the fourth-ranked UConn during a packed arena that had 15,684 enthusiastic fans cheering on their teams.

For Watkins, this was perhaps the most significant crowd she had ever performed in front of, amplifying her sense of accomplishment. “This just shows that when you give women’s basketball the right platform, we will rise to the occasion,” she remarked after scoring an impressive 25 points. “Tonight was a fantastic game… It felt beautiful to participate, and I imagine it was exhilarating to watch.”

Although the triumph was meaningful for the USC Trojans, she acknowledged that it did not completely mend the disappointment from last season’s loss, which had ended their journey. “That Elite Eight match carried a different weight,” reflected the sophomore standout. “Getting revenge tonight was crucial.”

As the game unfolded, both All-Americans found themselves guarding one another for significant stretches. An exhilarating moment occurred in the third quarter when Watkins executed a perfect block on Bueckers’ shot, swiftly transitioning to the other end and scoring after a stylish between-the-legs dribble.

This remarkable matchup was a highlight of the evening. Bueckers, who contributed 22 points to her team, expressed joy in competing against elite players. “Facing off against such talented opponents is always fun,” she shared. “Both teams were driven to win. Matches like this are exactly why we play the game.”

Bueckers emphasized the importance of high-profile games for the sport’s advancement, stating, “It is crucial for the development of the game to have these marquee matchups. We should embrace these opportunities and arrange more games like this.”

Geno Auriemma, UConn’s long-time coach, reflected on the significance of the event in his four-decade career. “It’s a joy to showcase players of this caliber who are familiar to fans nationwide and who everyone wants to see excel,” he commented. “Each player has their unique flair.”

Auriemma reminisced about the early days of the program. “While driving to the game today, I was reminded of our inaugural game back in the ’86 or ’87 season, where attendance barely reached 100. Today, we have 16,000 fans present, along with national television coverage. The growth we’ve experienced is astounding, and I take great pride in being part of it.”