Watkins leads USC women past Colorado

Juju Watkins was so busy trying to help No. 7 USC extend its winning streak, the freshman sensation didn’t realize she had set a couple more records.

Watkins scored 42 points in an 87-81 victory over 11thranked Colorado on Friday night for the Trojans’ seventh win in a row. She broke Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller’s school record for most 30-point games in a season with her 11th and it was the most points scored by a woman in a game at Galen Center.

“Wait, what about men’s?” Watkins asked.

She topped that, too, eclipsing the 35 points by USC’S Boogie Ellis set last season.

Watkins shot 10 of 19 from the floor, made all 18 of her free throws and hit four 3-pointers in her second-highest scoring game of the season. She had 51 points in a win at then-no. 4 Stanford on Feb. 2.

“That’s insane, honestly,” Watkins said. “A long way to go before I’m in that conversation. I’m just happy to be able to be a part of that Trojan legacy and just continue to evolve and grow the game and grow the culture here at SC.”

Watkins committed a season-worst 10 of USC’S 19 turnovers. She was assessed a flagrant foul in the third after a left arm to the face of Jaylyn Sherrod.

“It just comes with the energy and this being such an aggressive game and so intense, I think I was just a little crazy,” Watkins said. “It was just a great environment and I think that brings that out in me. I’m just glad I was able to chill out and get the dub.”

Mckenzie Forbes added 24 points, making five 3-pointers, and seven assists for the Trojans (21-4, 11-4 Pac-12).

The Trojans moved into a tie for second with No. 9 Oregon State (a 65-52 winner at Washington State) in the Pac-12.

Aaronette Vonleh scored 18 points before fouling out with 4:47 left for Colorado (20-6, 10-5).

ARIZONA 68, NO. 3 STANFORD 61 >> With the game tied late and a chance for Arizona to win on the road at No. 3 Stanford for the first time since 2001, Jada Williams got the ball off a dribblehandoff, went between the legs with a dribble and let it go. Her shot arched high and banked in to give the Wildcats the lead with 30 seconds to play in a stunning 68-61 victory over the Cardinal late on Friday night.

Men NO. 2 HOUSTON 82, NO. 11 BAYLOR 76, OT >>

L.J. Cryer scored 15 points against his former team, including six free throws in OT, as the Big 12-leading Cougars won Saturday in Waco, Texas. Houston (24-3, 11-3 Big 12) blew a 16-point halftime lead, and thought they had won the game on a long 3-pointer by Jamal Shead to end regulation before replay showed the ball was still in his hands when the clock ran out.