JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers trade blows in epic USC-UConn showdown

USC superstar JuJu Watkins went into battle with UConn star Paige Bueckers in a replay of last season's NCAA Elite Eight battle.

JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers trade blows in epic USC-UConn showdown

JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers balled out in the UConn vs USC battle

For women’s basketball fans JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers are names that they usually associate with some of the best in the NCAA. Last season’s Elite Eight gave a taste of that battle which ended in favor of UConn. On December 22nd, the two superstars clashed again as USC sought to even the scores.

For one, the game was in Storrs, Connecticut, which usually brings out the nerves from visiting teams. Bueckers and her teammates have kept their home clean with nine straight wins. That meant, the pressure was on USC to try and make something out of this revenge game.

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However, this season JuJu Watkins has an elite squad around her. Watkins and her crew took the early lead and kept it that way for the entire first half. In the third quarter she pulled out an incredible defensive stop and turned it into a tough score.

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The play started when UConn set a screen to get Bueckers open and the senior launched a three-pointer. However, Watkins trailing on the screen jumped to block the shot. As it fell backwards, the sophomore gathered it and dribbled to the opposite end of the floor.

Paige Bueckers managed to recover and slow Watkins down. But the USC star used brilliant footwork and strength to maneuver around three UConn players to score from a layup. That helped them increase their lead.

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Paige Bueckers stares down JuJu Watkins

That lead ballooned to 18 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. But then on, Paige Bueckers and her UConn teammates turned the heat up. They hustled and brought out some intense defense to slow USC. At the same time, they shed their first half shooting woes to bring the lead back down.

With three minutes to go, UConn guard KK Arnold stole the ball on an inbound play and dished it out to Bueckers. The 23-year-old stepped back behind the arc and let one fly, which brought down the deficit to six points. But after shooting that, Bueckers turned back and gave Watkins the death stare.

That rally continued as UConn kept the pedal to the metal and with four minutes left in the game, finally managed to get the lead. USC, however, were not going to let this one go as JuJu Watkins came back to hit some tough buckets to take the lead back.

In the final five seconds, UConn needed a three-pointer to tie. However, as the ball went to Bueckers, USC defenders swarmed in, forcing her to pass it to freshman Sarah Strong. She launched a three pointer but couldn’t make it as she was fouled by Watkins.

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On the subsequent free throws, she made her first but missed her next two. Last second heaves couldn’t avoid their first home loss of the season as the game finished 72-70. These two teams are heavily favored to reach the Championship, suggesting these two superstars will likely lock horns again.