The USC female basketball season, Juju Watkins, reached a difficult end Monday night when the guard suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of his March madness game against the state of Mississippi.
Watkins dripped on his right at a quick break when he fell with the injury. He was seen twisting with pain grabbing his right knee. It was helped outside the floor.
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The South Guard of California, Juju Watkins, #12, reacts on the floor after an injury during the first half against the state of Mississippi in the second round of the NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
USC later said the Watkins season was over.
“Juju Watkins suffered an injury that ended the season in the second round of the NCAA on Monday night. It will undergo surgery and then the rehabilitation will begin shortly after,” said the school.
ESPN reported that Watkins suffered a torn acl.
“I would be lying if I told you that I was not shaking when you saw Juju on the floor crying,” said USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, through ESPN. “This is a human game, so I obviously did everything possible to be what I need to be for the team, but internally it is a lot.”
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The Guard of South California, Juju Watkins, #12, becomes sore on the floor after an injury during the first half against the state of Mississippi in the second round of the NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
USC won the 96-59 game. Watkins had three points before leaving the game with the injury.
The game took place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Fans booed the state of Mississippi every time the team had the ball.
“They are going to support their local team. They will go hard for Juju,” he said after the Mississippi Jerkila Jordan State Guard game, who scored 17 points. “I could not do anything but respect them.”
Watkins has been one of the most prolific scorers in university basketball since he entered the university ranks last season. She was the second leading scorer of the nation this season, averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
The Guard of Southern California, Juju Watkins, #12, controls the ball against the Mississippi Jerkaila Jordan State Guard, #2, during the first half in the second round of the NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
USC is back at the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year.
