JuJu Watkins

Graphic with photo of USC guard JuJu Watkins (12) dribbling the ball at left and UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) blocking a Duke player's shot at right.

JuJu vs. Paige showdown will be about more than two stars

By Michelle Smith / March 31, 2024

USC is more than – and has always been more than Watkins in the same way that UConn has been more this season than Paige Bueckers. But it’s hard to quibble with the excitement, interest and ratings that it builds.

McKenzie Forbes screams in triumph and thumps her palm to her chest as her teammates cheer in the background.

Duke and Baylor ousted in Portland, but future is bright

By Bella Munson / March 31, 2024

USC and UConn won their respective games to become the final Elite Eight teams, but the losing teams showed exciting future

Paige Bueckers yells a celebratory yell.

UConn back in business with Sweet 16 win over Duke

By Michelle Smith / March 31, 2024

The Huskies bent under the weight of intense defensive pressure, foul trouble and their relentless lack of depth – but they did not break. And their reward is a 28th trip to the regional finals.

The UCLA Bruins celebrate after a win.

With five teams in the Sweet 16, Pac-12 has its proof point in last hurrah

By Michelle Smith / March 28, 2024

Five of the eight games in the Sweet 16 will have a Pac-12 in it

USC's India Otto drives to the basket for a layup

India Otto grabs the spotlight following USC’s opening-round win

By David Mendez-Yapkowitz / March 25, 2024

The senior captain is the longest-tenured player on the roster

USC's JuJu Watkins celebrates her team's victory. Photo credit: USC Athletics

Bigger challenges lie ahead for Pac-12 NCAA Tournament teams

By Michelle Smith / March 24, 2024

In a very chalky weekend so far, six of the seven Pac-12 entrants move on to the second round Sunday and Monday.

USC star JuJu Watkins shouts instructions as she dribbles the ball with her left hand under pressure.

NCAA Tournament preview, storylines: Portland 3 Regional

By Talia Goodman / March 19, 2024

Upset picks, top players, and more from the Portland 3 Regional

USC celebrates punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament after beating Stanford in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game on March 10, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of the Pac-12 Conference)

‘Best day ever’: USC takes home the (final) Pac-12 Tournament title

By Michelle Smith / March 10, 2024

“There is a lot of pride in being the final champions in this league.”

USC star JuJu Watkins shouts instructions as she dribbles the ball with her left hand under pressure.

The legend of JuJu Watkins grows after Pac-12 Tournament semifinal win over UCLA

By Michelle Smith / March 9, 2024

But Watkins also had critical help in critical moments

Colorado's Jaylyn Sherrod dribbles the ball with her right hand, trying to get to the rim, as Oregon State's Donovyn Hunter provides resistance.

How Thursday became possibly the best Pac-12 Tournament day ever

By Michelle Smith / March 8, 2024

The Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals featured six ranked teams, two teams on the NCAA Tournament bubble and plenty of drama