Main Story

JuJu Watkins returned from an ACL injury with a dominant all-around performance, while Sarah Strong powered No. 2 UConn past Iowa after the Huskies’ loss to Michigan. Elsewhere, South Carolina routed North Carolina, Virginia beat Arizona, and Cal State Bakersfield guard Jaden Alexander erupted for a career-best 41 points.

By the Numbers
  • Watkins: 32 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals in 27 minutes.
  • Strong: 39 points and 10 rebounds in UConn’s 91-79 win over Iowa.
  • Alexander: 41 points, including a program Division I-era record 9 3-pointers, in a 91-80 win.
  • South Carolina beat North Carolina 84-39; Virginia defeated Arizona 91-72.
Yes, But

Watkins’ return and Strong’s breakout were statement performances, but early-season results come with caveats: St. John’s transfer Tounde Yessoufou has played only two games against modest competition, and South Carolina’s win came against a North Carolina team that started the season 0-2.

Bottom Line

Several contenders look ready to make noise: Watkins appears back at full strength, Strong helped UConn respond immediately to a loss, and South Carolina showed its roster remains formidable despite losing players to the WNBA.