The USC Trojans bullied their way to a 96-59 victory over Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA tournament, but Juju Watkins’ injury halfway through the first quarter was the story of the game.
Fouled hard on a fast break layup attempt, she fell to the ground grabbing her right knee and screaming. She spent several minutes on the floor with trainers before being carried, feet off the floor, to the locker room. She was later ruled out for the game. If the injury is as bad as it looks, she is likely done for the tournament. But the focus of the moment is on Watkins’ well-being, from concerned fans to Watkins’ peers. Several big names took to social media to voice their support for the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Peer Stars Send Prayers for Juju Watkins
Only a sophomore, Watkins led the Trojans to a 29-3 record and the 1-seed in their region of the tournament bracket. Her 24.6 points per game is second in the nation. A two-way star, she is also averaging 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocks. She was named a first team All-American.
The Trojans sprinted out to a 13-2 lead over the Bulldogs before Watkins went down. No Watkins, no problem–at least for this game. Senior Kiki Iriafen put up 36 points on 16-22 from the floor and took a seat in the fourth quarter to vigorous chants: “Kiki, Kiki, Kiki.”
With the game out of the way, all eyes will turn to Watkins and an update on her status. Many expect the worst, phrases involving “ACL” and “tear.” Her injury did not appear related to the ankle and wrist ailments she suffered in USC’s first round game.The college basketball world is rooting for the best possible news.
LSU star Flau’Jae Johnson, her Tigers secure in the Sweet 16 with Monday’s win over the Seminoles, tweeted well wishes Watkins’ way:
I pray juju okay 🙏 hate to see it
— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) March 25, 2025
Ex-Tiger Angel Reese, now a member of the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, posted a similar message:
Prayers for Juju! 🥺🙏🏽
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 25, 2025
Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, former UConn Huskie, sent three prayer emojis:
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Stewie (@breannastewart) March 25, 2025
How Watkins Impacts USC Trojans and the NCAA Tournament Field
While the Trojans had more than enough fire power to handle Mississippi State, they will struggle to go far without her against the monsters that lie in wait. If USC advances from a Sweet 16 date with Kansas State, they would most likely need to get past UConn just to reach the Final Four. Defeating the most accomplished program in NCAAW history was already a daunting prospect. Now, if Watkins gets the bad news many fear, it will be all but impossible. In the wake of her injury, UConn and South Carolina championship odds dropped even further. The Huskies edged past the Gamecocks to claim position as title favorites.
Credit to USC coach Lindsey Gottlieb, who kept her players’ focus in the face of devastation. Instead of providing a boost to the Bulldogs, the injury only seemed to light the Trojans on fire. As the rest of the world waits for an update, no doubt Gottlieb will have her available players concentrated during the week and ready to go on Friday against the Wildcats.
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