USC Women’s Basketball Star Juju Watkins’ season ended on Monday night when the guard suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of their March Madness game against Mississippi State.
Watkins dribbled to her right on a quick break as she went down with the injury. She was seen twisted with pain that grabbed her right knee. She was helped by the floor.
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Southern California’s guard Juju Watkins, #12, responds to the floor after an injury during the first half against Mississippi State in the second round of NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
The USC later said Watkins’ season was over.
“Juju Watkins sustained a seasonal ending injury in NCAA second round Monday night. She will undergo an operation and then begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter,” the school said.
ESPN reported that Watkins suffered a torn ACL.
“I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t rattling to see Juju on the floor and cry,” said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb via ESPN. “This is a human game, which is why I obviously tried my best to be what I need for the team, but internally it is a lot.”
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Southern California’s guard Juju Watkins, #12, wins in pain on the floor after an injury during the first half against Mississippi State in the second round of NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
USC won the game 96-59. Watkins had three points before she left the game with the injury.
The game took place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Fans booed Mississippi State every time the team had the ball.
“They will be behind their homemade. They will go hard for Juju,” said Mississippi State Guard Jerkaila Jordan, who scored 17 points after the game. “I could do nothing but respect them.”
Watkins has been one of the most productive scorers in college basketball since she entered collegial rows last season. She was the country’s second -leading goal scorer this season, an average of 24.6 points, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per day. Match.
Southern California’s guard Juju Watkins, #12, checks the ball against Mississippi State Guard Jerkaila Jordan, #2, during the first half of the second round of NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
USC is back in Sweet 16 for the second straight year.
