USC thrives without JuJu Watkins as Lindsay Gottlieb hails team effort after Pepperdine win

A defining moment: USC’s response to adversity

When USC learned star guard JuJu Watkins would miss the 2025–26 season after a torn ACL, questions immediately surfaced across the college basketball landscape. Watkins had carried a significant share of USC’s offensive load, and her absence placed pressure not only on performance but also on team morale, identity, and fan confidence. It was a blow that could have shifted the entire trajectory of the Trojans’ season.

Yet on November 28, 2025, USC delivered an emphatic answer. Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the Trojans stepped onto the Galen Center floor and produced a commanding 82 to 52 win over Pepperdine. The scoreline told one story, but the performance told another. It was a showcase of unselfish offense, aggressive defense, balanced scoring, and the emergence of a renewed identity that did not depend on a single star.

During the postgame press conference, Gottlieb did more than break down the win. She spoke directly to the USC community, offering gratitude, acknowledging the team’s growth, and expressing pride in how the players handled the moment. Her message reflected a program determined not to fold but to rebuild a new path forward.

From uncertainty to dominance — how USC built the win

Early jitters and then a scorching run

The opening minutes played out as expected with both teams exchanging early baskets. Pepperdine opened with energy and even held a brief 10 to 8 lead. But USC quickly found rhythm and unleashed a 24 to 2 run that carried them through the end of the first quarter and deep into the second. That stretch changed everything and effectively secured control.

Senior guard Kara Dunn scored 12 of her 19 points during that decisive surge. Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson added eight early points on her way to 18 total. Their production helped ignite an offense fueled by multiple contributors rather than one focal point.

By halftime USC led 47 to 26. The second half mirrored the first with relentless defensive pressure generating 18 Pepperdine turnovers and a steady flow of transition points. Composed half court play mixed with fast break opportunities allowed USC to stretch a 20 point margin into a 30 point blowout.

Balanced contributions and depth stepping up

With Watkins unavailable, the lingering question was straightforward: who would fill the void. Against Pepperdine, USC delivered a collective answer.

Beyond Dunn and Davidson, rotation players such as Kennedy Smith and Vivian Iwuchukwu provided scoring, length, and defensive activity. Bench contributors brought energy and ball movement that elevated the team’s pace and spacing.

USC also recorded back to back games with 20 or more assists for the first time since November 2024. It was a telling sign that teamwork and ball sharing were becoming foundational rather than situational.

Defensively the Trojans remained sharp. Pepperdine did not hit a three pointer until the second quarter, and many of their turnovers became easy scoring opportunities for USC. The defensive focus translated directly into offensive efficiency.

This was not a showcase for individual dominance. It was a testament to depth, discipline, and chemistry.

Gottlieb’s message: Gratitude, belief, and building a new identity

Speaking after the game, Gottlieb opened with appreciation. “Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for being here. I thought that crowd was terrific. I think our players have really earned that kind of reception.” Her message resonated with a fanbase witnessing a team redefine itself in real time.

Gottlieb emphasized that what USC is building extends beyond wins and losses. She spoke of community belief, the importance of fan support, and the significance of players stepping into new responsibilities. Her words suggested a program intent on constructing a new identity built on unity and resilience rather than relying solely on star power.

For a team that lost a generational talent, this shift in narrative was crucial. USC was not entering a period of survival. They were building toward something different and potentially stronger.

Beyond one game: What this win could signal for USC’s season

Proof that the roster can survive adversity

Losing JuJu Watkins who averaged nearly 24 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season removed the team’s offensive engine. Many expected a steep decline. This win challenged those assumptions. The players adjusted, embraced new roles, and demonstrated belief in a shared system.

Younger contributors showed that USC has untapped potential and more versatility than many anticipated.

A dangerous blend: unpredictability, defense, and depth

Without a single dominant scorer, USC becomes less predictable and harder to scout. Balanced scoring, fluid ball movement, multiple threats, and a defense capable of generating pressure create a dynamic challenge for opponents. This style can be more difficult to prepare for than a star centered offense.

If USC maintains this identity, they remain contenders not in spite of losing Watkins but because they adapted to her absence.

Reinforcing fan trust and community support

Nearly 3,900 fans filled the Galen Center for a weekday afternoon game. That turnout was a strong statement about the program’s relationship with its community. Support during adversity signals belief in leadership, culture, and long term vision.

Challenges and tests ahead

This win was important but sustaining momentum will require consistency and discipline. Several key questions will shape USC’s path:

Can consistency hold. Multiple players must continue producing. Young rosters often struggle with fluctuations.

Will the defense stay elite. Pepperdine struggled but future opponents will offer more complex offensive challenges.

Managing fatigue and emotions. Losing a star like Watkins brings emotional and psychological hurdles. USC must balance effort with wellness.

Leadership and shifting roles. Veteran players and emerging talents must lead by performance and communication, not simply by designation.

Handling rising expectations. As USC gains attention, avoiding complacency will be crucial.

If the Trojans successfully navigate these factors, they could move from surviving the season to shaping it.

What this tells us about college basketball teams, adversity and resilience

USC’s response reflects a timeless truth in sports. Teams built around a single superstar often struggle when that foundation is removed. But teams rooted in depth, culture, and adaptability can not only withstand adversity but sometimes evolve into something stronger.

In the landscape of college basketball where roster turnover is constant and pressure is intense resilience often determines who contends and who fades.

USC’s victory over Pepperdine was more than a win. It was a blueprint for programs that face sudden challenges. It showed that leadership, collective effort, and belief in a shared identity can guide a team through difficult moments and toward a renewed sense of purpose.