UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Paige Bueckers consoles teary-eyed Juju Watkins

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 4/2/24

Teenage sensation Juju Watkins' near-flawless freshman campaign came to a tearful end Monday night as her USC Trojans lost 80-73 to the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight.

After the game, the 18-year-old Watkins broke down in tears while walking off the court. But her pain was shared by the star player in opposition, Paige Bueckers, who walked over to Watkins and consoled her even as the rest of the Huskies were busy celebrating their entry into the Final Four.

Paige Bueckers showed love to JuJu Watkins after the game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UBp6dvIxJG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 2, 2024

The class act by Bueckers was widely praised by fans and analysts alike, who felt it was a testament to her sportsmanship. The 22-year-old knows a thing or two about facing adversity in her young career. Last year, Bueckers missed her entire junior campaign due to an ACL injury, watching from afar as her Huskies lost to Ohio State in the Sweet 16.

Perhaps Bueckers' "chin up" message to Watkins will inspire her to return stronger next year.

The past two years for JuJu Watkins:

• Signed with Nike
• Won Gatorade POTY
• Became Klutch’s first HS player
• Signed NIL deals with AT&T, Estée Lauder, Celsius

Her season is over, but tonight, she became the NCAA’s all-time freshman scoring leader.pic.twitter.com/DVLCh4igAr
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 2, 2024

While her freshman season ended in heartbreak, Watkins has no reason to feel disheartened. By scoring 29 points Monday night, she surpassed Tina Hutchinson of San Diego State to become the all-time leading scorer among freshmen in NCAA Division I history, per ESPN. Watkins also became just the sixth freshman to score over 100 points in an NCAA tourney as a freshman, narrowly missing out on Tamika Catchings' all-time record.

Most of all, Watkins brought USC back to relevancy, helping the Trojans reach the Elite Eight for the first since 1994.

Just a reminder that JuJu Watkins is 18 years old. As a freshman, she:

• Holds the all-time D1 freshman scoring record.
• Has broken multiple team records.
• Led USC to the Elite 8 and went toe-to-toe with Paige Bueckers.

She's the future face of college basketball! pic.twitter.com/rE7CoPstpJ
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) April 2, 2024

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