Ja Morant lauds exhilarating Paige Bueckers-JuJu Watkins' matchup

The Memphis Grizzlies were not scheduled to play on Saturday night and Ja Morant used the day off to tune into one of the most eagerly awaited women's college basketball games of the year. This weekend's game between UConn and USC was a blockbuster matchup between two of the nation's top young player, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.

A crowd of 15,684 were in attendance at the XL Center to catch a glimpse of Watkins take on Bueckers. The two guards are two of college basketball's rising stars, and they did not disappoint on the night, battling it out in a closely contested 72-70 game that went down to the wire.

There were plenty of big name athletes and celebrities watching Saturday's highly publicized game and NBA star Ja Morant gave his views on the game following the thrilling encounter. The 25-year old South Carolina native chose to keep it short and sweet and reacted with a fire emoji on his X account.

In a difficult environment, JuJu Watkins was outstanding, leading the No. 7 ranked USC (11-2) to a victory over No. 4 ranked UConn (10-2). The 6-foot-2 guard finished with a game-high 25 points and chipped in with six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. Watkins also hit three clutch free throws in the final minutes of the game to secure the win.

Paige Bueckers, who was named the AP and Naismith College Player of the Year in 2021, is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. She recorded 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting, and had three rebounds and two assists.

The home defeat to USC sees UConn drop their second game of the season. Coach Geno Auriemma will look to bounce back next week when his team welcomes Providence.

Morant, meanwhile, will prepare to take on the LA Clippers on Monday night at the FedExForum.

Ja Morant sends WNBA star A'ja Wilson message of support after Aces star hits historic feat

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant celebrates with teammates after a three point field goal at Capital One Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

Ja Morant is a big fan of the women's game and the Grizzlies star regularly posts on the WNBA and women's college basketball. In September, Morant showed some love for the three-time MVP after she became the first player in WNBA history to record 1,000 points in a single season.

Morant reposted an image on his Instagram account of Wilson celebrating and added the following message:

"Da mayor of SC. Crib talk. congrats family @aja22wilson," wrote Morant.

Morant sends message of support to A'ja Wilson after she records 1,000-point season. Photo Credits: Ja Morant's IG account

Ja Morant and A'ja Wilson were both born and raised in South Carolina and are considered two of the best basketball players to come out of the state.