"Wasn't the prettiest for me": JuJu Watkins makes her feelings known after Hannah Hidalgo's Notre Dame bulldozes USC

JuJu Watkins and the No. 3 USC suffered their first defeat of the 2024-25 season on Saturday. The Trojans lost 74-61 to Hannah Hidalgo and the No. 6-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a blockbuster clash at Galen Center.

Hidalgo proved to be a worthy adversary for Watkins, recording 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds and five steals to lead the Fighting Irish to their fifth consecutive win.

Watkins shared her thoughts about the setback in a press conference after the contest.

"I think this is a learning experience for the whole team," Watkins said. "[There is] so much to learn as far as chemistry and everything. The biggest thing for me is to stay poised and under control the whole game. It wasn’t the prettiest for me."

Turnovers and poor outside shooting doom JuJu Watkins' USC Trojans

Watkins led all USC scorers with 24 points on 10-of-25 shooting from the field. She struggled to get her outside shot going, though, missing all five 3-point attempts.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) reacts during an NCAA women's basketball game against Cal State Northridge on November 12, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty

It wasn't just Watkins who struggled with Notre Dame's perimeter defense. The Trojans shot 7.7% from beyond the arc, missing 12 of their 13 attempts from the 3-point line.

Watkins made no excuses following the loss, instead paying tribute to Notre Dame's defense.

"They’re a great defensive team. It was definitely an adjustment, so we just have to learn to take care of the ball better," Watkins said.

Turnovers doomed the Trojans in this contest, with USC committing 21 miscues. Watkins and fellow starters Kayleigh Heckel and Talia von Oelhoffen recorded five turnovers apiece.

Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles lead Notre Dame in upset win

The Fighting Irish took full advantage of USC's careless play, never trailing from start to finish. Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles starred for Notre Dame, combining for 44 points.

Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles chase after a loose ball. Photo: Imagn

Hidalgo got the ball rolling for the Fighting Irish, scoring 16 of her 24 points in the opening half to help Notre Dame build a 35-28 advantage at the break.

Miles then took over in the second half, scoring 14 of her 20 points to put the outcome beyond doubt.

USC and Notre Dame's upcoming schedule

It's back to the drawing board for the Trojans, who won their first four games against Ole Miss, Cal Poly, CSU Northridge and Santa Clara by an average of 43.2 points.

USC will next face Seton Hall at home on Wednesday. Notre Dame, on the other hand, will face No. 19 TCU in the Cayman Islands Classic on Friday.