JuJu Watkins returns, Saniyah Hall shines as No. 3 USC edges Cal in exhibition thriller

LOS ANGELES — After 580 days away from competitive basketball, JuJu Watkins wasted little time reminding USC fans what they had been missing. But it was freshman Saniyah Hall who stole the show Sunday afternoon at Galen Center.

Hall scored a team-high 23 points, while Watkins and Jazzy Davidson added 18 apiece as No. 3 USC held off Cal for a 78-76 exhibition victory in its final tuneup before the 2026-27 women's basketball season.

The afternoon marked the long-awaited return of Watkins, who had been sidelined since suffering a season-ending knee injury during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The Trojans' star guard needed just 14 seconds to score her first basket, converting a layup off an assist from Kennedy Smith to open the game.

Watkins finished with 18 points, three rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks in 23 minutes, offering an encouraging glimpse of what USC hopes will be a championship-caliber season.

While Watkins' return was the biggest storyline entering the afternoon, Hall provided the biggest performance on the court.

The highly touted freshman made an immediate impression in her unofficial collegiate debut, shooting 9-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-3 from 3-point range, while adding six rebounds and a game-high five steals. She also delivered several of USC's most important plays down the stretch as the Trojans survived a late Cal comeback.

Davidson, meanwhile, continued to demonstrate why she figures to play a significant role alongside Watkins this season. The sophomore finished with 18 points, a game-high seven assists and six rebounds, helping USC overcome a determined Cal team that refused to go away.

The Trojans opened the game with a strong defensive effort, holding the Golden Bears to just 3-for-17 shooting in the first quarter while preventing them from making a 3-pointer. USC closed the period on an 8-2 run to take a 14-10 lead.

USC extended its advantage to 22-14 early in the second quarter, but Cal responded with an 11-2 run to erase the deficit and eventually move ahead. Watkins delivered one of the highlights of her return in the closing seconds of the half, connecting on a step-back jumper to tie the game at 33-33 heading into the locker room.

Davidson helped keep the Trojans within striking distance during the second quarter, scoring eight points on 4-for-5 shooting.

Hall took over after halftime.

The freshman scored five points in the opening 3:10 of the third quarter, including a 3-pointer that gave USC a 40-39 advantage with 6:50 remaining in the period. Davidson later connected from beyond the arc to break a 46-46 tie, and consecutive baskets by Smith and Ryann Bennett helped USC carry a 55-51 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Trojans appeared poised to pull away midway through the final period when Hall intercepted a pass and raced down the court for a layup that extended USC's lead to 67-60.

Less than a minute later, Hall produced another steal and transition basket, showcasing the defensive instincts and athleticism that could make her an immediate contributor for the Trojans.

But Cal wasn't finished.

The Golden Bears answered with an 8-2 run, tying the game at 71-71 with 2:13 remaining and setting up a tense finish.

Hall responded by making two free throws with 1:54 left to put USC back in front. With the outcome still in doubt, Laura Williams delivered a critical defensive play, recording her third block of the afternoon with 25 seconds remaining.

Smith then converted a fast-break layup off Davidson's seventh assist to give USC a 75-71 advantage.

Davidson made three of four free throws over the final 10 seconds to help the Trojans escape with the two-point victory.

Although the final margin was much closer than USC would have preferred, the Trojans showed flashes of the defensive pressure and transition offense that could make them one of the nation's most dangerous teams.

USC forced its way into transition throughout the afternoon, outscoring Cal 25-2 in fast-break points and 18-4 in points off turnovers. The Trojans also held a 46-28 advantage in points in the paint while recording 14 steals and five blocks.

Cal shot just 34.3% from the field, making 24 of 70 attempts, although the Golden Bears connected on nine 3-pointers to remain within striking distance.

Williams finished with four points, six rebounds and three blocks, while Smith contributed six points, three assists and three steals. Sitaya Fagan added four points and three rebounds off the bench.

For USC, the exhibition offered an early look at how its returning stars and talented newcomers might fit together.

Watkins' return gives the Trojans one of the most recognizable and dynamic players in women's college basketball. Davidson provides another versatile offensive weapon, and Hall's performance suggests USC has added a freshman capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor from the opening game of the season.

There will undoubtedly be adjustments as the Trojans develop chemistry and establish their rotations, particularly with Watkins returning after such a lengthy absence. Sunday's narrow victory also showed there is work to be done before USC begins a season filled with enormous expectations.

Still, the Trojans emerged with a victory, their biggest star back on the floor and a freshman who gave fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the future.

USC will officially open the 2026-27 season Monday, Nov. 2, against UNLV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT, with the game televised on CBS Sports Network.