JuJu Watkins' historic season for USC ends in Elite Eight loss - ESPN

PORTLAND, Ore. — USC standout JuJu Watkins made history Monday night, passing Tina Hutchinson of San Diego State back in 1983-84 to become the all-time leading scorer among freshmen in NCAA Division I history. However, the game ended in tears as the Trojans' bid to reach the Final Four for the first time since 1986 was stopped by UConn, who won the Regional 3 final 80-73.

«It's definitely an honor,» Watkins said of passing Hutchinson. «I mean, of course, like I said, not really the terms I would like to end on. On my season, I mean, I'm just blessed.

»This program has offered me a lot. I'm so grateful for it. It's just been a great season. The record is great. Just the moments that I've got to spend with this team have meant everything to me. I'm just excited for next year."

Hutchinson's record of 898 points, set in the third season the NCAA sponsored women's basketball, had stood for four decades before Watkins became the first freshman in Division I to top 900 points. Her 29 points on Monday gave Watkins 920 for the season.

In four NCAA tournament games, Watkins finished with 110 points, one shy of the freshman record of 111 set by Tamika Catchings during Tennessee's six-game title run in 1998, per ESPN Stats & Information.

But Watkins' heroics weren't enough against a more experienced UConn team Monday. With guards Paige Bueckers and Nika Muhl as the primary defenders on her, the Huskies held Watkins to 9-of-25 (36%) shooting. ESPN Stats & Information tracking found Watkins shot 5-of-16 (31%) on contested attempts.

Nonetheless, UConn coach Geno Auriemma called Watkins «probably as difficult a matchup as there is, or has been, for our players.»

Auriemma, who reached his 23rd Final Four as coach of the Huskies, shared a