USC Trojans JuJu Watkins Leads Women of Troy to 90-35 Win over Cal Poly

The USC Trojans women's basketball team, led by guard JuJu Watkins, followed up their season opener with a huge win over Cal Poly in their home opener at the Galen Center.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates during a NCAA Women’s Tournament 2nd round game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Galen Center. / Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After a nail-bitting 68-66 season-opening win over Ole Miss in Paris, the USC's women's basketball team came back to the Galen Center for their home opener vs. Cal Poly.

The Trojans had huge game from their star guard JuJu Watkins in the 90-35 win over Cal Poly. She was one of six Trojans to finish in double-digits. Watkins finished tied with the game-high of 16 points. She added six rebounds, four blocks, and two steals as she flew around the court for the Trojans.

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; USC guard JuJu Watkins and USC forward Kiki Iriafen take a question at the podium during the 2024 Big Ten Womenís Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images / Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images

JuJu Watkins continues dominance

It's been a hot start to the season for the reigning first team All-American. Watkins had 27 points in the Trojans season-opening win over Ole Miss and followed it up with a more complete performance vs. the Mustangs. Watkins' 16 points tied with fellow guard Kayleigh Heckel for a game-high in points in USC's home opener.

Watkins showed off her ability to do more than just shoot the basketball vs. Cal Poly. The Trojans have more spacing on the court thanks to a stellar freshman class that is already contributing just two games into the season.

Transfer portal class making noise

It was a productive game from USC guard Talia von Oelhoffen. The Oregon State transfer had a rough night shooting, finishing the game 1-5 from the field with only two points as she was the only starter to not finish in double-digits. She did have seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals as she contributed heavily to the Trojans' 55-point win.

who do u guys think made us retake this pic.twitter.com/wWUMEKAYdU

— talia von oelhoffen (@TaliaVono) October 10, 2024

Not only did TVO stuff the stat sheet, but Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen also kicked in 12 points. Iriafen, a forward had 12 points, seven rebounds, and two assists to help propel the Trojans in the dominant team performance.

Trojans deliver strong defensive performance

USC held Cal Poly to single digits in the first and fourth quaretr of the game. In fact, the most points the Mustangs scored in a quarter was 11. To put that into perspective, Watkins had 14 at the half for the Trojans.

The Trojans finished the game with 19 steals and 8 blocks as the entire Trojans squad played a great mix of press defense as well as half court defense to keep Cal Poly on their toes the whole night.

Although the Trojans were coming off a season-opening win over a ranked opponent in Ole Miss, USC didn't skip a beat vs. Cal Poly. They didn't come close to playing down to the level of the Mustangs, as the Trojans arguably put together an overall better team performance vs. Cal Poly, than they did vs. Ole Miss.

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