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4w ago

USC Advances to Sweet 16 After JuJu Watkins' Season-Ending ACL Injury

The Trojans secured a dominant win over Mississippi State despite losing their star player, who will undergo surgery and begin rehabilitation.

Image
Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb holds USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins’ hand after she injured her knee in the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) grabs her knee after falling to the floor during an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans in the second half during the first round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Galen Center on March 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.The loss of the star USC guard will put a damper on the Trojans' title hopes.

Overview

  • JuJu Watkins, USC's standout sophomore guard, sustained a season-ending ACL tear in her right knee early in the NCAA Tournament second-round game against Mississippi State.
  • Watkins, averaging 24.6 points per game this season, was injured five minutes into the game and was carried off the court after a non-contact play during a fast break.
  • USC rallied in her absence, defeating Mississippi State 96-59, led by Kiki Iriafen's career-high 36 points on 16-for-22 shooting.
  • The injury has drawn widespread support from the basketball community, including messages from WNBA stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, highlighting Watkins' impact on the sport.
  • USC now faces Kansas State in the Sweet 16, with adjustments to their strategy required to navigate the tournament without their star player.