JuJu Watkins and USC steal first win over Ole Miss

Number 3 ranked USC started off their season in Paris against the Number 20 ranked Ole Miss and it was apparent that this was the first game of the season for both teams . The delicious pastry turnovers originally can be traced back  to Wales, Italy , and of course France which was the theme of this first game . Ole Miss had 16 turnovers that led to 18 points for the Trojans. While USC had an astounding 26 turnovers that fortunately for them Ole Miss was only able to capitalize 13 points from those turnovers .

USC Coach Gottlieb I’m sure is happy with the amount of turnovers, but shouldn’t be worried . USC only averaged 12 turnovers last season and I’m sure will have a reignited emphasis on protecting the ball. You might accredit most of the turnovers to first game jitters, especially, it being a game in Paris, the new additions for USC, or a combination of both. The Trojans come in this season with the top recruiting class and some key transfers that had an immediate impact .

The 6’3 transfer from Stanford Kiki Iriafen started off the season with a 22 point and 13 rebound game. Last season USC did not have a post player like Kiki who could go get a bucket with her back to the basket. We saw this game the work she put in this offseason with some added post moves and couple nice fade away shots over the defenders that looked very similar to Napheesa Collier. Freshman Kennedy Smith impressed on the defensive end picking up full court and helping slowing down an Ole Miss team that likes to push the pace.

One thing of note from this game on the offensive end was the multiple possessions a wide open or cutting JuJu Watkins was missed. After breaking the record for the most points by a freshman (920) points, it is expected all eyes to be on her. Any time there is an opportunity to get JuJu Watkins to get an easy basket or an open look she can’t be missed. JuJu Watkins was not at her best this game to start off the season leading the team with 9 turnovers herself. Scoring 27 points on 8-19 shooting, but did the other things to help ensure a win for USC. One of her best skills is getting to the free throw line which she did the game shooting 10-12 from the charity stripe. JuJu pulled down 10 rebounds and dished out 4 assists. Most impressively more than any stats just mentioned was the 3 steals and 5 blocks.

This USC team will be one of the best teams all year and an exciting team to watch all year. As the chemistry grows they will have a dangerous core of Kiki, Kennedy, and JuJu that will give teams fits on both ends of the floor.