USC superstar JuJu Watkins sustained a torn ACL in her right knee in Monday night’s second round NCAA matchup against Mississippi State.
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Watkins had to be carried off the court just five minutes into the contest after driving to the basket alongside two defenders.
It appeared Watkins’ knee buckled as she planted her right leg, which ultimately led to the star falling to the floor. The Galen Center immediately fell silent upon seeing the squad’s biggest star seemingly injured.
“I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu lying on the floor and crying,” head coach Lindsay Gottlieb told the Associated Press.
By halftime, the team announced the guard was being evaluated by medical staff and would miss the remainder of the matchup. The latest update is grim as Watkins will undergo season-ending surgery.
MSU coach Sam Purcell also commented on the devastating injury for the Trojans.
“My prayers and thoughts are with JuJu,” Purcell said. “Obviously, we’re competitors and you never want to see that, especially what she means for women’s basketball.”
Although USC earned a commanding 96-59 victory over the Bulldogs to advance to the Sweet 16, the team suffered a devastating blow with the loss of the star sophomore.
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Entering Monday night’s game, Watkins was averaging 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocks.
Nevertheless, Kiki Iriafen stepped up in the absence of Watkins, recording 36 points and nine rebounds. Along with her season-high 36 points, Iriafen was 16-of-22 shooting.
“She’s the key for us. We didn’t want to let her down,” Iriafen said, via ESPN. “We just want to keep dancing, so whatever it takes is what I wanted to do. I think it just shows our toughness.”
Social media immediately exploded with devastated reactions from the basketball world upon Watkins’ untimely exit from Monday night’s game. WNBA star Angel Reese was one of many people who sent Watkins a heartfelt message via X (formerly known as Twitter).
And so, the No. 1 seeded Trojans will have to continue their journey through the NCAA tournament without the help of their biggest star, Watkins. She was named the 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year and was a unanimous All-American for the second consecutive season.
Women’s basketball will be without one of its best and brightest for some time, but the overwhelming support Watkins has received is evidence of her impact on the game.
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