Saturday night’s clash between UConn and USC was the basketball showdown fans had been waiting for. And guess what? It didn’t disappoint! But the real drama unfolded late in the fourth quarter. For a moment, it seemed Paige Bueckers and the Huskies had the upper hand, staging an incredible comeback after trailing by 18 points in the third quarter. With just 4:30 left on the clock, all eyes were on Bueckers and JuJu Watkins, and the tension in the arena hit a boiling point.

Bueckers’ Huskies finally took the lead during that intense stretch, fueled by her relentless energy. She drained a 3-pointer with Watkins closing in on her, then locked eyes with Watkins, delivering an icy stare that had everyone buzzing. Watkins, though, wasn’t one to back down—earlier in the quarter, she had blocked Bueckers and then finished at the other end with jaw-dropping poise. It was a back-and-forth basketball at its finest, with neither player willing to give an inch.

It was a showdown between two AP top-10 powerhouses vying for Final Four glory. However, more than that, it brought together two of the nation’s brightest stars: Bueckers and Watkins. From buzzer-beater plays to defensive heroics, their on-court duel became a masterclass in basketball brilliance.

Ultimately, it was Watkins and USC who emerged victorious, securing sweet revenge after last year’s Elite Eight loss to UConn. Watkins posted a stellar stat line of 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks, slightly outshining Bueckers, who finished with 22 points, three boards, and two assists.

In the end, Watkins might’ve edged out Paige Bueckers, but there’s no denying one thing: this matchup was everything fans had hoped for—and more.

Bueckers and Watkins shine in a thrilling matchup

It was the perfect stage for an unforgettable battle—the last top-10 showdown of the calendar year, broadcast live in prime time for the entire nation to see. UConn and USC, two of the best teams in women’s basketball, faced off in a fiery rematch of their 2024 Elite Eight clash. But this highly anticipated matchup wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was also a showcase of teamwork. Just like in their last meeting eight months ago, both teams needed every ounce of effort from their supporting casts.

In the final moments, with just 0.5 seconds left, Paige Bueckers found freshman standout Sarah Strong for a clutch chance to tie the game. Watkins fouled Strong on a long attempt, but Strong only managed to sink one of her three free throws. It was a heartbreaking miss for UConn in an already nail-biting finish.

Both Bueckers and Watkins delivered MVP-level performances this season. Watkins entered the game averaging 24.7 points on 45.4% shooting, along with 3.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds. Meanwhile, Bueckers boasted 20.6 points per game on an elite 58.4% shooting, with 4.0 assists and 4.6 boards per outing.

Outside the court, the star power was also undeniable. Iconic Husky legends like Rebecca Lobo and Morgan Tuck sat courtside, cheering on their program’s brightest star. Though UConn couldn’t pull off the win, the battle between Bueckers and Watkins certainly entertained them and the fans.