JuJu Watkins gave a young fan a memory and a memento she will never forget.

During USC’s clash against Paige Bueckers and UConn, Watkins set the tone early, helping the Trojans amass a lead that was 18 at one point. However, the Huskies came roaring back, tying the game at 67 with 2:24 remaining in the game, thanks to layup by Bueckers.

In the end, USC pulled out a 72-70 win over UConn, with Watkins pouring in 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal in her 38 minutes of work. And while the star guard made fans watching at home happy by leading the Trojans to a win, Watkins made sure to make a court side fan’s night as well.

As Watkins was leaving the court to head to the locker room, the 19-year-old began untying her shoes while looking at the crowd. Taking off her shoes, Watkins spotted a young fan standing with her family and walked to them, her Nike Kobe 6’s in hand.

The star then handed the fan her sneakers, leaving the young spectator stunned and seemingly on the verge of tears after her interaction with Watkins. USC’s social media team caught the entire interaction, posting the clip with the caption: “JuJu gave her shoes to a fan after our game.”

Fans on social media applauded the move by Watkins, with one posting: “Awesome to see JuJu being awesome. That little girl just got an incredible Christmas present.”

JuJu Watkins made a fan's day, giving her game-worn sneakers after USC's win over Paige Bueckers and UConn

JuJu Watkins made a fan’s day, giving her game-worn sneakers after USC’s win over Paige Bueckers and UConn ( 

Image:

X: @USCWBB)

Another posted: “One lucky little girl! You have a piece of History and historical player!!!!” Overall, while Watkins and the Trojans had a successful night against the Huskies, there was a moment which could have changed the entire outlook of the game.

With USC up three in the waning moments of the game, UConn star Sarah Strong shot a 3-pointer in hopes of tying the game. While Strong ultimately missed her shot, Watkins fouled her on the attempt, giving the Huskies the opportunity to tie the game at the line.

However, Strong missed two of her three attempts and then heaved a near-halfcourt shot that was wide right in hopes of winning the game after Bueckers batted the ball back out to the 3-point line. After the game, Watkins expressed how happy she was to see her opponent miss the two crucial free throws.

“UConn, they’re the toughest competitors,” she said after the game to FOX Sports. “So we knew we had to get the dub. Coming off of last year, this was really important to me. I gave my all, this team gave their all. We fought to the end.

“Man, I was praying [Strong] missed one. She’s a really strong competitor. She’s just so tough. So, glad she missed those. Because I know she’s probably kicking herself in the foot but she’s a phenomenal player.”

On the other side, Bueckers and UConn wore special sneakers to commemorate Huskies legend Sue Bird’s collaboration with Nike.