LOS ANGELES (AP) — JuJu Watkins, a key player for Southern California, suffered a right knee injury during the first quarter of their NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State. This unfortunate incident unfolded with 4:43 left on the clock as she sprinted to the basket and landed awkwardly, instantly crumpling to the floor in pain. Her teammates quickly rushed to her side as the atmosphere in the Galen Center turned solemn.
Watkins, a standout 6-foot-2 sophomore known for averaging 24.6 points per game, was swiftly attended to by coach Lindsay Gottlieb and the medical staff. Following the incident, USC confirmed that she would not return for the game. “She’s seen by our great medical team. We’re all here for her,” Gottlieb expressed to ESPN during halftime. “JuJu is incredibly tough, and I believe she will overcome this.”
While this injury is concerning, it’s worth noting that Watkins has had a remarkable college career so far, playing all 34 games last season and setting a record for freshman scoring with 920 points. Last year, USC made it to the Elite Eight but fell short against UConn, led by Paige Bueckers.
After Watkins was injured, the crowd’s anger was palpable, as boos directed towards Mississippi State echoed throughout the arena. The Trojans, however, did not let this setback dampen their spirit. They opened the game strong and finished the first quarter leading 28-8. Their resilience shone through as senior Rayah Marshall scored a 3-pointer just before halftime, pushing their lead to 50-27.
Adding to the tension, another USC player, Malia Samuels, took a hard fall in the second quarter, prompting more concern. Thankfully, she was not seriously hurt and continued to lead the team in Watkins’ absence.
Watkins had shown signs of wear from the rigorous season, mentioning, “It’s the end of the season. My body is a bit banged up, but I’m good.” This mentality reflects the resilience and determination that characterize her playstyle.
Despite the nail-biting moments, the Trojans seem poised for a strong finish, either continuing without their star player or rallying around her as they face future challenges. If her injury keeps her sidelined, the pressure will shift to her teammates to step up, showcasing the depth and unity of the roster that has already proven its mettle this season.
To keep up with the latest NCAA Women’s Basketball developments, check the AP March Madness bracket here and find additional coverage here.
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