"It was an off night for me": JuJu Watkins describes key area needing improvement despite career night for USC star vs Rutgers

Despite leading USC to a dominant 50-point victory over Rutgers, sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins reflected on areas where she felt her performance could improve.

Watkins stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block, helping No. 4 USC secure a 92-42 win on Sunday night—Rutgers’ worst home loss in school history.

However, JuJu Watkins candidly assessed her performance after the game:

"I think my efficiency wasn’t the best tonight. So (I’m) just continuing to work on that and taking the best shots. It was an off night for me tonight, regardless of the outcome, but (I) just continue to stay locked in with my team and knock down shots that I usually do." (7:38 - 8:05)

Despite playing a game-high 30 minutes, Watkins hit only 8-of-23 field goal attempts, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. She also recorded three turnovers but made up for it by going 4-of-5 from the free-throw line and avoiding any fouls.

With her performances, JuJu Watkins could potentially earn her fourth National Player of the Week honor. She also had a stellar 26-point display with four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block in a 75-55 win over Nebraska on New Year’s Day at the Galen Center.

On December 31, Watkins received her third selection as one of five Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week honorees from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), along with the Associated Press National Player of the Week distinction.

JuJu Watkins' USC dominates Rutgers in 50-point blowout

Playing without star freshman Kiyomi McMiller, who announced on Instagram six hours before tipoff that she would not play due to a "coach's decision," Rutgers faced an uphill battle against a No. 4 USC starring JuJu Watkins.

The Scarlet Knights suffered their third consecutive loss, dropping to an 8-7 record. Rutgers' offense appeared disjointed throughout the game, committing 27 turnovers and struggling to break the Trojans’ press.

Shooting woes further compounded their difficulties, as the Scarlet Knights managed just 28% from the field and 5-for-14 from beyond the arc. The game opened with Rutgers missing their first eight shots before Destiny Adams scored to cut the deficit to 10-3.

The only remaining intrigue in the final quarter was whether the margin of victory would surpass Rutgers’ worst-ever loss, a 54-point defeat to Iowa in 2023. While they avoided setting a new record, the Scarlet Knights were thoroughly outplayed.

Rutgers will have a chance to regroup as they step away from ranked opponents, heading on the road to face Minnesota at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Wednesday night.