Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talks to JuJu Watkins after the Trogans guard injured he knee in the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Los Angeles, CA – USC’s women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins suffered a devastating torn ACL during the team’s second-round victory against Mississippi State in the NCAA Women’s March Madness Tournament on Monday night. The injury abruptly ended her season and cast a shadow over USC’s tournament aspirations.
The 19-year-old sophomore went down with 4:43 remaining in the first quarter, visibly in pain after a drive to the basket. She was carried off the court and did not return. Prior to the injury, Watkins had scored three points.
“We’re just gonna address the elephant in the room, this totally sucks,” ESPN anchor Elle Duncan said during the live broadcast, expressing the widespread shock and disappointment. “I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say this not only changed the tenor of this game but potentially the tournament.”
USC later confirmed the injury in a halftime statement, stating that Watkins was being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised Watkins’ toughness and assured that the team and fan base would support her.
Watkins, who averaged an impressive 24.6 points, seven rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season, was instrumental in leading USC to a 29-3 record. The loss of their star player is a significant blow to the team’s chances as they continue through the tournament.
