USC Trojans' Star JuJu Watkins Out of NCAA Tournament Due to Knee Injury

USC’s standout player JuJu Watkins will miss the rest of the women’s NCAA tournament after tearing her ACL in her right knee during a second-round matchup against Mississippi State. A representative from the team announced that Watkins is set to undergo season-ending surgery followed by a rehabilitation process. Just five minutes into the game, Watkins had to be carried off the court after her injury in USC’s convincing 96-59 victory, which advanced the Trojans to the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year. During a fast break, as Watkins attempted to weave between two defenders toward the basket, a foul caused her to plant her right leg awkwardly, resulting in the injury and her subsequent collapse. The spectators at Galen Center watched anxiously as trainers helped Watkins off the court to the locker room.

In the wake of Watkins’ injury, Kiki Iriafen stepped up, contributing a remarkable 36 points, shooting 16-of-22 from the field. Watkins, known for being an Associated Press All-American and a national player of the year candidate, was pivotal for the Trojans, boasting averages of 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists throughout the season. Her performance has been a key factor in USC’s impressive 29-3 record.