LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins delivered another dominant performance Sunday, scoring 32 points and grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds as No. 3 USC overwhelmed Utah State 118-40 in its home opener at the Galen Center, producing the second-largest margin of victory in program history.
Watkins added six assists and five steals in just 27 minutes, leading six Trojans in double figures as USC improved to 2-0 with one of the most lopsided victories in school history. The 78-point margin was second only to USC's 124-39 victory over Cal State Northridge on Nov. 12, 2024.
The Trojans' 118 points also tied for the third-highest scoring output in program history, matching their total against Missouri on Dec. 27, 1985. USC shot 60% from the field, dominated the rebounding battle 56-19 and outscored Utah State 72-22 in the paint before a crowd of nearly 8,000.
Watkins, who shot 10 of 19 from the field, made four of seven 3-point attempts and eight of nine free throws, recorded her 18th career double-double and 22nd career game with at least 30 points. She is now just three 30-point performances away from matching USC legend Cheryl Miller's school record of 25.
While Watkins led the way, USC demonstrated the depth that has made the Trojans one of the nation's top-ranked teams. Freshman Saniyah Hall scored 20 points for the second consecutive game, shooting 9 of 16 from the field while adding five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Sophomore Jazzy Davidson finished with 12 points and six assists, surpassing 600 career points in just her 34th collegiate game. Freshman Sara Okeke added career highs of 12 points and eight rebounds while making all five of her field-goal attempts. Sitaya Fagan scored 11 points, and Laura Williams contributed a career-high 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting.
USC wasted little time taking control. Davidson opened the scoring with a 3-pointer just 14 seconds into the game, and Hall scored 10 first-quarter points as the Trojans raced to a 25-9 lead. Watkins capped the opening period with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that extended USC's advantage to 36-11.
The Trojans shot a blistering 76.5% in the first quarter, connecting on 13 of 17 shots, including four of six from beyond the arc. USC also forced turnovers that led to 12 points and scored 10 fast-break points while Utah State struggled to generate any offensive rhythm.
USC continued to pull away in the second quarter, using a 13-2 run to stretch its lead to 49-15 before taking a 55-22 advantage into halftime.
Any hope of a Utah State comeback disappeared in the third quarter. The Trojans opened the second half with a 17-5 surge and later scored 17 consecutive points to build an 89-29 lead. USC outscored the Aggies 34-10 in the period, with Watkins contributing eight points and five rebounds.
The Trojans surpassed 100 points midway through the fourth quarter and continued their offensive onslaught until the final buzzer. Watkins connected on two more 3-pointers in the final period as USC completed its 78-point victory.
Beyond the scoring explosion, USC's efficiency was equally impressive. The Trojans recorded 29 assists against just seven turnovers, made 48 field goals and collected 23 offensive rebounds that resulted in 32 second-chance points. USC also turned 18 Utah State turnovers into 27 points while holding the Aggies to 28.1% shooting.
The Trojans were particularly dominant inside, scoring 72 points in the paint, their highest total in nearly 12 years. USC also did not allow Utah State to grab an offensive rebound in the entire second half.
Watkins received a standing ovation when she exited with 2:34 remaining, a memorable moment in her first home game since returning from a torn ACL that sidelined her for 20 months. Utah State (1-2) was led by Kylani Rookstool's 12 points and Sami Mancini's 10.
The victory improved USC's all-time record in home openers to 46-5 and provided another early indication of the Trojans' offensive firepower as they pursue a national championship.
USC returns to the Galen Center on Tuesday to face the College of Charleston at 7:30 p.m.