The Southern California women’s basketball team, led by standout player JuJu Watkins, recently experienced a heartwarming moment when former program star Cherie Nelson and her 98-year-old mother visited the locker room. Despite the recent devastation of losing their home in nearby Altadena due to wildfires, Nelson's mother insisted on attending the game to support the team. This visit highlighted the resilience and community spirit during challenging times. The event was one of the first major sporting events held in Los Angeles since the fires began, drawing a spirited crowd of nearly 6,000 people, including celebrities like actor Vivica A. Fox. Fans welcomed the opportunity to enjoy a few hours of entertainment amidst the city's struggles.

The USC women's team showcased their skills with a decisive victory over Penn State, scoring 95-73. Watkins scored an impressive 35 points, while Kiki Iriafen added 28 points. Several players, including Watkins, Iriafen, and Rayah Marshall, are locals from Los Angeles, making the win even more meaningful as they aimed to bring joy to their community. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb emphasized the importance of balancing basketball with awareness of the broader issues affecting the city. "We’re very blessed to come here today and play basketball. If we can put a smile on people’s faces for two hours or give them an escape to kind of get away from everything that’s going on right now, we’re super grateful to do that,” said Iriafen, reflecting the team's commitment to spreading positivity.

In these trying times, the USC and UCLA teams have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and solidarity. Both universities postponed games against Northwestern due to safety concerns, while Penn State consulted with various authorities before deciding to travel. Coach Carolyn Kieger of Penn State praised the efforts made to ensure player safety and expressed confidence in their ability to pivot and prepare for the next game against UCLA at Walter Pyramid. The community's response to adversity underscores the power of unity and hope. As Watkins aptly put it, "The biggest thing for us and for the community is just to have faith and hope that things will get better." Through sports and mutual support, the community finds strength and optimism in the face of challenges.