USC star sophomore JuJu Watkins, currently the second-leading scorer in the nation, was carried off the floor by multiple staff members due to a concerning lower body injury during the NCAA Tournament matchup against Mississippi State.
In the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday night in Los Angeles, California, as the No. 1 ranked USC Trojans led the ninth-seeded Mississippi State 13-2 in the first quarter, Watkins was racing down the court on a fast break when two defenders approached her. Following contact with a Mississippi State player, she lost the ball and fell to the ground, immediately clutching her right knee in pain while her teammates rushed to her side.
Watkins was then lifted off the court and taken to the locker room by two members of the USC staff.
Sending good vibes to JuJu Watkins ❤️
— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) March 25, 2025
— Stewie (@breannastewart) March 25, 2025
Prayers for Juju!
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 25, 2025
Watkins exited the game at the 4:43 mark of the opening quarter, having registered three points, two assists, and a rebound before her injury. By midway through the second quarter, she had not yet returned to the bench.
A consensus First-Team All-American this season, Watkins showcases impressive stats, averaging 24.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. She has played a pivotal role in securing USC’s Big Ten regular season title during their inaugural year in the league.
This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.
