USC Star JuJu Watkins Suffers Knee Injury in NCAA Tournament, Casting Doubt on Championship Hopes
Watkins, the driving force behind USC's historic season, was carried off the court after a collision during the second-round game, leaving her status uncertain for the remainder of March Madness.
- JuJu Watkins sustained a knee injury during the second round of the NCAA Tournament following a collision with an opposing player, Prater, while driving to the basket.
- The injury occurred with 4:43 left in the first half, with USC leading 13-2, and Watkins was unable to stand or put weight on her leg, requiring assistance off the court.
- Footage of the incident, shared widely on social media, shows Watkins clutching her knee in visible pain as medical staff attended to her on the hardwood.
- The severity of Watkins' injury has not yet been disclosed, raising concerns about USC's ability to maintain their championship momentum without their star player.
- USC entered the tournament as a strong contender, driven by Watkins' standout performances and a historic season under Coach Lindsay Gottlieb, including a Big Ten title and a 15-game winning streak.