JuJu Watkins’ return to the floor after a 588-day layoff drew the spotlight, but USC’s 100-68 win over UNLV belonged just as much to Saniyah Hall.
The five-star freshman wasted no time making her mark in her college debut. Hall scored 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting, knocked down 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and filled up the stat sheet with a team-high seven rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist. She finished second on the Trojans in scoring behind sophomore guard Jazzy Davidson.
Watkins, back in competitive action for the first time since tearing her ACL in March 2025, posted 21 points in a solid opener of her own. She gave Associated Press No. 3 USC three players with at least 20 points, though she missed all five of her three-point attempts.
That didn’t slow the Trojans against UNLV. Hall and Davidson were almost automatic, combining for just two missed field goals. Hall’s best stretch came in the opening quarter, when she created space off the dribble for one three-pointer and then buried a step-back triple at the buzzer.
Monday’s performance only added to the buzz around USC’s guard group. Hall, Watkins and Davidson had already flashed their firepower in an exhibition against Cal on Oct. 25, when they combined for 59 points and Hall led the way with 23.
The Trojans still have tune-ups ahead against Utah State and Charleston before their showdown with No. 1 South Carolina on Nov. 15.
Watkins is being brought along carefully, with coach Lindsay Gottlieb keeping her on a minutes restriction as she gets back into game shape. As the AP noted, “Her physical progress has been encouraging,” with timing and comfort expected to improve through competition.
For USC, that means the return of Watkins is only part of the story. Hall’s debut suggested the Trojans may have another major weapon ready right now.
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USC Lands A Fast-Rising Defender With Even More Upside Ahead
USC added another piece to its 2027 class when defensive tackle Simeon Jones Jr. of North Augusta, South Carolina, made his commitment official during a recent visit. Jones had previously been verbally pledged to James Madison, but a strong senior season and the experience in Los Angeles helped change the picture, giving the Trojans a rising interior defender with plenty of room to keep developing.
For USC, the addition fits the broader momentum around a class that now sits at 15 commitments. Jones brings the kind of upside programs covet along the defensive front, and the fact that he chose the Trojans after being tied elsewhere suggests the staff made a real impression in person. The next question is how far his game can go once he gets into USCs system. [Read more 🡒]
USC Just Got An Exciting First Look At Its New Core
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Arenas led the way with 21 points, Adonis Ratliff added 25 and Darius Ratliff chipped in 14 points with five blocked shots, the kind of production that immediately changes the tone around a roster. Musselman already had prior NBA connections with Arenas and the Ratliffs, and after one game, it is easy to see why their arrival has raised expectations for what USC might become as the season unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
USC Just Delivered The Kind Of Win Trojans Fans Needed
USC walked away with the kind of result that can change the mood around a season, knocking off No. 2 Ohio State 30-18 to move to 7-2. It was the sort of win that gives the Trojans some real credibility, not just because of the ranking attached to the opponent, but because they handled a team that had been expected to impose its will.
Ryan Day was blunt afterward about what went wrong for the Buckeyes, pointing to penalties, mistakes, red zone issues and turnovers as the reasons the game slipped away. Ohio State now turns to Oregon, while USC gets a week off before lining up against Indiana, with this upset likely to linger as the Trojans reset for the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]