[ad_1]
USC Freshman JuJu Watkins’ freshman season was nothing short of magical. In a matchup against an experienced UConn Huskies squad, Watkins and the Trojans were in quest of a Final Four bid for the first time since 1986. Despite its lack of depth in the roster, and early game foul trouble, Geno Auriemma’s Huskies executed down the stretch. A large part of their 4th Quarter run was Paige Bueckers, whose leadership and poise were the ultimate difference maker. UConn ends Watkins’ magical season with an 80-73 win.
Despite the loss, JuJu Watkins made history by becoming the all-time freshman leading scorer (920 points), surpassing Tina Hutchinson. In this NCAA tournament, JuJu Watkins put up 110 points just one point shy of Tamika Catchings’ tournament record back set in 1998. In one season, Watkins led USC to a Pac-12 title (for the first time in 10 years), finished second in scoring (26.9 PPG), set a USC scoring record with 51-point performance, and an elite eight appearance. The passing of the torch is near, and we’re witnessing the new face of Women’s Basketball… JuJu Watkins!
Coach Auriemma will make his 23rd Final Four appearance with the Huskies (most for any program all-time). UConn will take on Iowa in a Final Four matchup for the ages. A clash of the stars – Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. In their last matchup, UConn defeated Iowa in the Sweet Sixteen 92-72. However, Both Clark and Bueckers were freshmen. Now at the peak of their powers, Will Caitlin even the score or will Coach Auriemma record another National Championship?
The Future of Women’s College Basketball
[ad_2]
