Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

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.

Image
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) is helped off the court after being injured as USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb looks on during the Mississippi State Bulldogs game versus the USC Trojans in the second round of the NCAA Division I Women's Championship on March 24, 2025, at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • 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.