The stage is set for the NCAA Women’s Final Four matchup. After the Caitlin Clark-led Iowa Hawkeyes upset the defending champion LSU Tigers, it was time for the USC Trojans to face the Connecticut Huskies to determine Iowa’s next opponent. It was a highly-anticipated matchup between stars JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers. Unfortunately, Watkins could not lead USC past the Huskies and lost the game 83-70. Despite the heartbreaking loss, JuJu Watkins received high praise from NBA star Tari Eason’s mother for her incredible freshman season.

Eason’s mother took to X to make a bold comparison between Juju Watkins and Lakers superstar LeBron James. “I’ll take my L’s. I’d put harder D on Clark. She’s got impeccable aim, but can’t go left. Bueckers is better than her. Trust me. Also, I’m from LA. I met JuJu when she was 13, she’s LeBron. My son went to LSU! My allegiances are REAL! THIS IS NOT A RACE WAR! Some of you are TRASH!”

Although JuJu Watkins’ journey lasted only until the Elite Eight round, she left her mark with her incredible performance this season. Watkins set another record tonight after surpassing Tina Hutchinson’s 898 points for the highest-scoring freshman season in women’s DI history. Hutchinson held that record for 40 years before Watkins broke it tonight. Watkins ended her historic season with another dominant performance, scoring 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists in tonight’s loss.

Watkins definitely has the skill set to match the likes of LeBron James. At only 18 years old, Watkins averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her freshman season. And she will only continue to get better as she grows older.

Tari Eason’s mother chooses Paige Bueckers over Caitlin Clark

Apart from singing praises about JuJu Watkins, Tari Eason’s mother also had some harsh words for Iowa star Caitlin Clark. She appreciated Clark’s ability to shoot a three-pointer but claimed the Iowa star could not go left. Eason’s mother advised the Hawkeyes to play harder defense on Clark during their Final Four matchup. She also claimed Huskies guard Paige Bueckers was better than Clark. Paige has had a great season at Connecticut. The 22-year-old is averaging 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists and has a chance to lift the NCAA Championship this year.

However, Bueckers’ numbers are not that impressive when compared to Caitlin Clark’s. The Iowa star has had a historic season, averaging a whopping 31.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. She recently broke Stephen Curry’s record for most three-pointers in a college season by a man or a woman. Caitlin reasserted her dominance tonight after she scored 41 points to eliminate Angel Reese and Co. from the tournament.

While Tari Eason’s mother’s claim is ambitious, it will all boil down to which star comes out on top in their Final Four matchup. Caitlin Clark will face Paige Bueckers this Friday.

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