JuJu Watkins makes her feelings known on Paige Bueckers after USC defeats UConn

JuJu Watkins' USC marches on with the statement win, taking down Paige Bueckers' UConn Huskies 72-70 on Saturday. Watkins finished the game with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Bueckers led UConn with 22 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.

After the game, Watkins attended the postgame presser with USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and teammate Kiki Iriafen. She was asked about her matchup against Bueckers and what it meant for the women's basketball landscape.

"Paige is an excellent player, and I think it's just a testament to when you give women a platform, we're going to perform," JuJu said (6:56).

"I think that tonight was an excellent game. I think it was just beautiful to be a part of, and I couldn't imagine watching it. So, super exciting, and I think, you know, as we continue to get games like this, we'll always show up."

With that win, JuJu Watkins made it 1-1 against Paige Bueckers, taking sweet revenge after her team lost 80-73 to UConn in the NCAA Elite Eight last season. She scored 29 points in that matchup, while Bueckers had 28.

The rematch between the two highly-touted freshmen lived up to the hype as they both guarded each other for the majority of the game.

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College hoops fans react to JuJu Watkins vs Paige Bueckers clash

Fans have been buzzing on social media about the battle between the two future faces of women's basketball — JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers. The USC sophomore guard proved to be the difference-make at XL Center, leading the Trojans to their 11th win.

Here are some of the top reactions from fans on X/Twitter:

"So now it’s 1-1😁😁😁😁 Paige got her 1, and Juju got her REVENGE game. Not the next matchup will determine W H O ‘ s IN TOP!" one fan said.

"Juju bested Paige today. Great game," another fan said.

"JuJu and Paige not shying away from guarding each other either. This means something to me man," a fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans.

"everyone who watched that game knows Paige wasn’t close to Juju today ... she didn’t outplay any of the two stars on USC, and she wasn’t even the best player for her own team today," one more said.

"Respect to Paige, juju the TRUTH," another fan said.

"I expected nothing less for that uconn vs usc game. I’m team juju but Paige unmatched!! Love her game," a fan said.

Saturday's matchup between JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers is probably their last meeting in college, as Bueckers is expected to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft.