JuJu Watkins’ Injury Overshadows USC’s Sweet 16 Victory

In a heartbreaking turn of events, USC Trojans' star freshman JuJu Watkins suffered a severe knee injury during their Sweet 16 game against Mississippi State in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter, casting a shadow over USC's hard-fought 76-70 victory that propelled them into the Elite Eight.

Initial reports from the sidelines indicated that Watkins may have torn her ACL, a devastating blow for both the player and the team. Watkins, who had been a pivotal player for the Trojans throughout the season, was seen leaving the court in tears, supported by medical staff.

The basketball community has rallied around Watkins, with fans and fellow athletes expressing their support and concern on social media. The injury has sparked discussions about the physical toll of the sport and the need for enhanced player safety measures.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed optimism about the team's ability to move forward, emphasizing the depth of the squad. However, the absence of Watkins, who averaged 19.8 points per game, will undoubtedly be felt as they face Kansas State in the upcoming Elite Eight matchup.

• JuJu Watkins
• NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
• USC Trojans

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Is Juju Watkins injury?

Yes, Watkins tore her anterior cruciate ligament, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The team has not yet confirmed the diagnosis, saying only it was a season-ending injury.

Who injured Juju Watkins?

Early in the first quarter, Watkins was on a fast break with just under five minuets to go when she became entangled with a Mississippi State player. She immediately went down, grabbed her right knee and was visibly in pain. A foul was called on Mississippi State's Chandler Prater.

Is Ju Ju hurt?

USC star JuJu Watkins suffered a torn ACL during her team's 96-59 win over No. 9 seed Mississippi State in the second round of the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament, the school has announced. The injury will require surgery, meaning the season for the Trojans' top player is over.

Is Juju Watkins out?

JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending injury in the NCAA Second Round on Monday night. She will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter. Continuing without their scoring and assist leader, the Trojans still rolled over the Bulldogs 96-59 to advance to the Sweet 16.

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