In a disappointing turn of events for the USC Trojans, star player JuJu Watkins has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday’s second-round NCAA tournament matchup against Mississippi State. The injury occurred midway through the first quarter when Watkins fell hard on her right knee during a transition play. While driving to the basket, she collided with a Bulldogs player, prompting referees to call a foul on fifth-year forward Chandler Prater.
As Watkins lay on the court in visible pain, clutching her knee, her teammates quickly gathered around her in concern. Head coaches Lindsay Gottlieb and Wendale Farrow left the bench to assess the situation, while Trojans' medical staff carried Watkins off the floor. Notably, she was unable to put weight on either leg, indicating the severity of the injury. The medical team escorted her to the far end of the court, away from the USC locker room, to facilitate her exit from the game.
Before her injury, JuJu Watkins had contributed significantly to the game, scoring 3 points, along with 2 assists and 1 rebound. Freshman Avery Howell stepped in to take the foul shots with 4:43 remaining in the first quarter. The Trojans, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, went on to secure a convincing 96-59 victory over the ninth-seeded Bulldogs, but the absence of their star player raised concerns about their prospects moving forward.
Watkins is no stranger to physical challenges in her career. During the first-round matchup against UNC Greensboro, she experienced a similar fall but managed to return to the game, showcasing her toughness. Following that injury, she remarked, “It’s the end of the season, body’s a little banged up, but onto the next. Nobody really cares, so onto the next.” This mentality has been a hallmark of her performance.
Throughout her college career, JuJu Watkins has never missed a game, playing all 34 contests during her freshman year and making 33 starts in her sophomore season. Her impressive track record earned her a spot as a unanimous first-team AP All-American for the second consecutive year. This season, she made headlines by becoming the first basketball player across Division I collegiate, WNBA, and NBA levels since 2000 to achieve a remarkable stat line of 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game.
Currently, JuJu Watkins is averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, solidifying her position as a key player for the Trojans. Earlier this season, she also became the fastest Trojan to reach 1,000 career points in the program's history. As USC continues its quest for a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 1986, the team will need to rally together in the face of this setback. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on Watkins' condition and the team's progression in the tournament.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available. (Photo: Robert Hanashiro / Imagn Images)
