JuJu Watkins’ natural talent is evident in the way she controls games in the fourth quarter. And it’s clear that she’s among the few unique players who excel in their rookie season. The recent game between USC and Penn State was no exception barring an eye poke fuming her family.

JuJu Watkins has been gaining recognition for her basketball skills, even though she has only played in five games so far. Most freshmen players require at least half a season to get used to the pace and rhythm of college-level games, but JuJu seems to be an exception. She has already scored 30 points in three games and has produced several unique moments that only exceptional athletes can create. She has accomplished all this while also collecting double-doubles.

JuJu Watkins got hit in the eye

She made a lasting impression during USC’s 71-70 victory over Penn State in the Bahamas on Wednesday night. During the first 38 minutes of this 40-minute game, Watkins was not playing at her best. Though behind 70-64 with 2:15 remaining, she was the dominant force in the final two minutes and the sole reason USC won by a point. However, a ruckus broke out when she was struck in the eye.

At 2:15 in regulation, with USC trailing by six points, Watkins was without a vital teammate. It was a challenging game for her. Nobody else was taking the lead. Naturally, players were taken aback by the altered lineups. In the second quarter, Watkins had no choice but to show her aggressive side.

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She grabbed the ball in order to score from the Penn player, as they both eventually collided and JuJu Watkins got a blow in her eye. Her family was a little frustrated when she got hit. But everything fell into place as the game proceeded.

Not the usual night of Watkins

Watkins did give up seven giveaways in the face of Penn State’s fiercely aggressive defense. And it was for the first time in 2023 that Watkins and USC struggled to manage pressure on the ball during this game. Penn State did not score seventy points because of USC’s defense.

Penn State was able to move the ball up the court and score ahead of USC’s halfcourt defense due to USC’s 20 turnovers. On a night when USC starter Kaitlyn Davis was out due to injury, Penn State converted defense into offense.

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Without Davis, Watkins and her USC colleagues found it difficult to succeed. Davis’s importance to the team, especially its halfcourt attack, became evident.