"Gotta something to prove after the ND loss": College hoops fans buzz before Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies play against JuJu Watkins' USC

College basketball fans are buzzing for one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season as Paige Bueckers and No. 4-ranked UConn Huskies battle against JuJu Watkins and No. 7-ranked USC Trojans.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, UConn Women's Basketball posted an image ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash with USC Trojans.

Fans took to social media to show their support for the Huskies and Bueckers in the comment section ahead of the encounter.

"Gotta something to prove after the ND loss," a fan commented.

A fan comments on UConn's Instagram post. (Image source: Instagram/@uconnwbb)

Other fans dropped their comments and continued to show support:

Other fans comment on the UConn Huskies Instagram post (Image source: Instagram/@uconnwbb)

Both the UConn Huskies and USC Trojans have suffered their only defeats this season at the hands of No. 6-ranked Notre Dame, and with a similar 10-1 record.

Bueckers, averaging 20.6 points per game, leads the Huskies in scoring, while Watkins, with 24.7 points per game, stands as the top scorer for the Trojans. The clash between Bueckers and Watkins is a dream scenario for fans. Both players are known for their competitive fire and ability to shine in big moments with their immense talent.

JuJu Watkins eager to face off against Paige Bueckers

The Huskies taking on the Trojans is also a rematch of last year’s Elite Eight thriller, where UConn edged USC to advance to the Final Four.

The last time both programs met, Watkins lit up the scoreboard with 29 points, while Bueckers delivered 28 points.

Watkins, last year’s National Freshman of the Year, continues to dominate as the 6-foot-2 guard improved on her efficiency, shooting 45.4% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc.

Watkins has formidable support from Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen, who is putting up 18.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54.0%. UConn’s freshman star Sarah Strong (17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds) will play a pivotal role in countering USC’s depth.

Watkins expressed her excitement about the primetime opportunity to play a top-ranked UConn.

“I’m so stoked,” Watkins said, adding, “To get a top-10 matchup, it’s always a great opportunity to showcase what we’ve been working on,”

Still speaking about the matchup, Watkins reflected on last year’s loss to UConn.

“It’s personal for me and the returning players,” Watkins said, adding, “They ended our season, so it’s in our nature to play even harder.”

Amid her growing stardom, Watkins has embraced the unique role that she finds herself serving as a source of inspiration.

“I’m so grateful for this platform and the chance to inspire young girls,” Watkins said, adding, “It’s a special time for women’s basketball, and I’m honored to be part of this movement.”

As UConn and USC take the court, this showdown promises to be a defining moment in the rise of women’s college basketball.