- NCAA. Paige Bueckers can't handle the pressure and Geno Auriemma knows it: 'She's her own worst enemy'
- NCAA. Sheryl Swoopes gives JuJu Watkins everything she denied Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese might be jealous
For the first time in history, USC has defeated UConn, with a dramatic 72-70 victory that showcased two of the nation's top college basketball talents-Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins.
In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,684, the No. 7 Trojans toppled the No. 4 Huskies, leaving fans questioning Bueckers' legacy as one of college basketball's elite.
Is Paige Bueckers losing her shine?
This non-conference clash was not just a battle between top-10 teams but a rematch of last season's Elite Eight, where UConn emerged victorious.
This time, however, it was Watkins, the sophomore sensation, who stole the show.
She posted 25 points on 56% shooting, adding six rebounds, five assists, and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Bueckers tallied 22 points in the loss but found herself overshadowed by Watkins' relentless energy and poise.
Despite UConn freshman Sarah Strong's stellar performance with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, Watkins' dominance proved to be the deciding factor.
Her ability to create key plays, including a pivotal steal against Bueckers, left fans and analysts buzzing.
Some have gone as far as to suggest Watkins may already be a better all-around player than the fifth-year UConn star.
Fans think JuJu Watkins is better than Bueckers
Fans on social media were quick to point out the shift in narrative.
One commented, "JuJu is already a better player as a sophomore than Paige as a senior. She's a future MVP."
Others highlighted Watkins' versatility, noting her defensive skills and relentless hustle as reasons why she might be a stronger WNBA prospect.
Adding fuel to the fire, Huskies coach Geno Auriemma previously predicted Watkins would outshine Bueckers in a direct matchup.
That prediction has left fans debating whether Bueckers' summer of relaxation, which drew criticism earlier this year, may have cost her momentum.
For Watkins, this victory was only partial redemption.
Reflecting on last season's NCAA tournament loss to UConn, she itted, "It was an Elite Eight game, clearly it weighs differently. Last year it meant a little bit more."
As the season unfolds, Bueckers will have to rise to the challenge, proving her doubters wrong while Watkins continues her meteoric ascent.
For now, the spotlight firmly belongs to USC's rising star.