USC women’s basketball sensation JuJu Watkins has carved out her place in college basketball history by surpassing one of Caitlin Clark’s most impressive records. During a tightly contested Big Ten championship game against UCLA, Watkins delivered a stellar performance, putting up 29 points. Despite USC’s 72-67 loss, that game marked a significant personal milestone for Watkins, as she officially moved past Clark’s two-season scoring total. With 1,684 points in her first two years, Watkins has edged ahead of Clark’s 1,662 — placing her just behind Kelsey Mitchell’s all-time two-season record of 1,762 points.
What makes Watkins’ achievement even more remarkable is the context in which it happened. Clark, known for her incredible shooting and playmaking ability, set a high bar in women’s college basketball and left a lasting legacy. As Watkins closes in on these records, she carries the sport’s growing popularity on her shoulders. With the NCAA tournament still ahead, she has more opportunities to push her numbers even higher and possibly surpass Mitchell’s record — a feat that would only add to her rising stardom.
But for Watkins, this is more than just a numbers game. The young star has expressed admiration for Clark’s style of play, particularly her long-range shooting ability, and acknowledges the influence Clark has had on the sport’s increased visibility. “I wish I played like her,” Watkins admitted, recognizing Clark’s skill while staying focused on developing her own game. Watkins is quickly becoming a household name in women’s basketball, and her success is helping sustain the wave of attention Clark brought to the game.
As Watkins continues her journey, the prospect of breaking Clark’s ultimate record looms large. Clark finished her college career with 3,951 points — the highest in NCAA history for both men’s and women’s basketball. While Watkins still has a long way to go, the pace she’s set early in her career suggests she’s more than capable of reaching those heights. With the NCAA tournament and potentially more games ahead, Watkins could benefit from more opportunities than Clark had to add to her scoring total.
Despite the pressure of chasing these records, Watkins remains focused on the bigger picture — the growth and recognition of women’s basketball. She welcomes the influx of new fans the sport has attracted, even those who may not always understand the nuances of the game. For Watkins, every bit of attention — whether praise or criticism — contributes to the sport’s development. “I love supporters, and I also love haters,” she said, embracing the spotlight with grace and determination. As she inches closer to history, Watkins is not just following in Clark’s footsteps — she’s blazing her own trail.