USC Trojans Star JuJu Watkins Sets NCAA Division I Record in Tournament-Ending Loss vs UConn

(Photo : Steph Chambers/Getty Images) PORTLAND, OREGON - JuJu Watkins (#12) of the USC Trojans reacts after a play during the second half against the Connecticut Huskies in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on April 01, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.

USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins has achieved another milestone in her outstanding debut season in college basketball.

The 18-year-old phenom has officially broken the NCAA women's college basketball freshman scoring record.

Watkins surpassed the previous record holder, former San Diego State forward Tina Hutchinson, who scored 898 points during the 1983-84 season.

Hutchinson's record stood 40 years before Watkins overtook it, entering her latest game with 891 points.

The 6-foot-2 combo guard set the record with a three-pointer with about six minutes left in the second quarter of their Elite Eight game against the UConn Huskies in the 2024 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament, held on Monday, April 1, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

USC Trojans fall to UConn Huskies in Elite Eight despite JuJu Watkins' Efforts

Despite Watkins' historic night, the top-seeded Trojans were unable to overcome the No. 3 Huskies, ultimately falling short with a score of 80-73.

"It's definitely an honor. 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," Watkins said on passing Hutchinson in a losing effort.

Watkins concluded the game with 29 points, achieved on 9-of-25 shooting from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. She officially ended her freshman season with 920 points.

Additionally, during her 39 minutes of play, she contributed ten rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.