A copy of O.J. Simpson's Heisman Trophy still sits in Heritage Hall on the campus of the University of Southern California, at least when it isn't being displayed elsewhere along with the rest of the school's large collection. Simpson's jersey is still retired by USC in recognition of his two remarkable seasons as the Trojans' tailback, and his No. 32 is prominently displayed at every home football game on the banners that drape the peristyle steps of the venerable Coliseum. The silence — atypical for the Trojans, who have laud their passing football greats with flowery public statements — is an obvious statement in itself about the complicated relationship with one of the most accomplished athletes in USC history.
Talented freshman JuJu Watkins sobbed following USC's Elite Eight loss to UConn, but her tears weren't so much about the end of the NCAA Tournament run for the Trojans. Watkins was sad it was the last game with her teammates until next season. An AP first-team All-American as a freshman, Watkins averaged 27 points this season, second only to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, who set the game’s all-time Division I scoring record this season.
Freshman All-American JuJu Watkins drove the length of the floor for a go-ahead three-point play with 3:13 left and finished with 30 points, leading top-seeded Southern California past Baylor 74-70 on Saturday and into the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years. Watkins scored nine straight points for the Trojans in the closing minutes and powered a decisive 8-0 run. McKenzie Forbes added 14 points for USC (29-5), which will face either third-seeded UConn or seventh-seeded Duke on Monday in the Portland 3 Region final for a spot in the Final Four.
JuJu Watkins scored 30 points, McKenzie Forbes had 14 and Rayah Marshall had 11 points and 16 rebounds as the top-seeded Trojans held off fifth-seeded Baylor 74-70.
USC's ability to play with joy amid mounting postseason pressure has led to the most successful stretch in decades with Baylor next in Sweet 16 matchup.