USC’s star guard JuJu Watkins will miss the rest of the women’s NCAA tournament after suffering a torn ACL in her right knee. The injury occurred early in the Trojans’ second-round victory over Mississippi State. Watkins, who had to be carried off the court, will undergo season-ending surgery and begin rehabilitation. The loss of Watkins is a significant blow to USC’s championship aspirations as she has been the team’s most dominant player this season.
Watkins’ injury happened just five minutes into the game when she drove to the basket on a fast break. As she planted her right leg, her knee buckled, causing her to collapse in pain. She was fouled on the play and remained on the ground for over a minute before being helped off the court.
At halftime, USC announced that she would not return. Despite her absence, the Trojans went on to secure a dominant 96-59 victory, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.
USC Rallies Around JuJu Watkins, Fueled by Emotion and Determination
Following Watkins’ departure, USC players and coaches were visibly shaken but determined to keep their championship hopes alive. Kiki Iriafen stepped up in a major way, scoring a season-high 36 points to lead the Trojans to victory.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged that seeing Watkins in pain was emotional for the entire team but praised their resilience in overcoming the adversity. Players expressed their desire to “keep dancing” in the tournament and win for their fallen teammate.
JuJu Watkins (NBA)The home crowd at Galen Center showed strong support for Watkins, loudly booing Mississippi State players every time they had possession. The hostility even extended to Mississippi State’s cheerleaders, who were jeered during their halftime performance.
As USC built a commanding lead, tensions between both teams grew, leading to a postgame handshake line where players had to be separated. USC used emotional intensity to fuel its performance, proving that it could match the physicality of SEC teams.
JuJu Watkins’ Historic Season Leaves Lasting Impact on USC’s Tournament Hopes
Before her injury, Watkins was enjoying a historic sophomore season, averaging 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. She had already scored 1,709 career points, the second-most by any Division I player through two seasons, trailing only Kelsey Mitchell.
Her influence extends beyond statistics, as she has energized the USC program and fanbase in a way few players can. Even in her absence, the Trojans will look to continue their deep tournament run, hoping to honor her contributions.
With Watkins sidelined, USC faces an uphill battle in the NCAA tournament. Last season, the Trojans reached the Elite Eight before losing to UConn, and they may face the Huskies again in the regional final. This time, however, they will have to compete without their star player.
Despite the setback, the team remains confident in its depth and ability to compete. Coach Gottlieb emphasized that Watkins’ impact goes beyond her talent, calling her a “generational” player whose influence will be felt even while she recovers.
