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USC Women's Basketball Brings Joy Amidst Wildfire Challenges

Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, left, drives past Penn State guard Moriah Murray, front right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Los Angeles.

JuJu Watkins and the USC women's basketball team had a special game on Sunday night at Galen Center, with a high-energy crowd of 5,881 in attendance. Among the attendees were Trojan alumni, including Cherie Nelson, who brought her 98-year-old mother, a victim of the recent wildfires in Altadena. Despite the challenges, they were determined to support the team.

The game, one of the first sporting events in Los Angeles since the wildfires began, aimed to uplift spirits in the community. Watkins and Iriafen led USC to a 95-73 victory over Penn State, with Watkins scoring 35 points and Iriafen adding 28. The players, many of whom are from areas affected by the fires, felt the weight of the situation but were grateful for the opportunity to bring joy to the fans.

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