JuJu Watkins faced a tough moment in the first quarter of the NCAA tournament game between No. 1 USC and No. 9 Mississippi State. While driving toward the basket, she collided with two defenders and fell hard. The impact caused her to grab her right knee in obvious pain. It was a distressing sight, and she had to be carried off the court without putting any weight on her injured leg.
At that point, the review by officials deemed the play a common foul, and Watkins had just scored three points before her injury. As a precaution, USC ruled her out for the remainder of the game at halftime, but details regarding her injury are still unclear.
Even without Watkins, the Trojans managed to maintain a solid lead. They shot well, making 9 out of 14 attempts to go up 28-8 by the end of the first quarter. USC, holding a No. 1 seed, is aiming for its first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2021. The winner of this game is set to face No. 5 Kansas State in the next round.
In recent years, injuries in college basketball have raised concerns. A survey by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association shows that over 50% of athletic trainers reported a high incidence of knee injuries among female basketball players. Experts emphasize the importance of proper training and injury prevention programs to keep young athletes safe.
JuJu’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands of the sport. Fans on social media expressed their support, hoping for her quick recovery. It’s moments like these that unite fans, showing how much players like Watkins mean to their teams and communities.
Stay tuned for updates on her condition as the tournament progresses.
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JuJu Watkins,knee injury,Mississippi State,Ronald Martinez,USC,leg injury
