VIDEO: Wild USC locker room scenes after JuJu Watkins leads Trojans in win vs Paige Bueckers' UConn

On Saturday, JuJu Watkins' USC Trojans and Paige Bueckers' UConn Huskies faced off in a rematch of last season’s Elite Eight. The highly-anticipated game, held at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, delivered as the seventh-ranked Trojans edged out the fourth-ranked Huskies 72-70.

After their hard-fought win, a video shared on social media captured the team’s elation in the locker room. The clip, posted by USC Women’s Basketball and shared by FOX College Hoops, highlighted the team’s happiness. It was captioned:

"USC soaking it in after a HUGE win on the road over No. 4 UConn"

USC set the tone early by dominating the first half. JuJu Watkins led the charge with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal. Shooting 56% from the field, Watkins helped the Trojans maintain their momentum.

Supporting her was Kiki Iriafen, who delivered a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Together, they gave USC a 42-29 halftime lead, capped by Iriafen’s jumper at the buzzer.

UConn, however, did not back down. Paige Bueckers, their standout guard, had 22 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Meanwhile, freshman Sarah Strong contributed 22 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Despite their efforts, the Huskies found themselves trailing at key moments due to turnovers and missed opportunities.

The second half opened with Watkins extending USC’s lead with a quick basket and a three-point assist to Kennedy Smith. As the game progressed, Bueckers tied it at 67-67 with a critical layup in the fourth quarter. However, Watkins sealed the win for USC with two clutch free throws, ensuring the Trojans held on to a narrow victory.

Geno Auriemma prepares Huskies for challenges ahead, JuJu Watkins commends Sarah Strong

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma reflected on the adjustments his team needs to make as they prepare for upcoming games. Auriemma praised Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, who averaged 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, calling her a difference maker. Discussing their next opponent, Iowa State, he emphasized:

“Every team poses a different problem. How we prepare for them will probably have to be different from how we prepare for the USC game.”

Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins spoke to Fox after the game, commending Sarah Strong who missed an important free throw:

"Man, I was praying she missed one. She's a really strong competitor," Watkins said. "She's just so tough. So, she missed those. I know she's probably kicking herself in the foot, but she's a phenomenal player."

USC's win marked a major step forward after their 80-73 Elite Eight loss to UConn last season. The Trojans will next face the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines, aiming to extend their seven-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, UConn, now 10-2, must regroup quickly as they prepare to take on Iowa State in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase.