Introduction to the Injury
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans after an injury against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first half during the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Galen Center on March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
LOS ANGELES – JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending right knee injury in the first quarter of top-seeded Southern California’s win against Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament on Monday night.
What We Know About the Injury
The stellar sophomore will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation, a team spokesperson said.
Watkins, one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball, was streaking to the basket chased by two defenders when her knee bent awkwardly as she planted her right leg, the non-contact injury causing her to crumple to the floor. She grabbed her knee and writhed in pain as her teammates surrounded her.
"I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu lying on the floor and crying," coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.
The crowd in Galen Center went silent as Gottlieb and two other USC staffers attended to the 19-year-old Watkins, a 6-foot-2 sophomore who averages 24.6 points. She was carried off by multiple people with the Trojans leading 13-2.
The Trojans won 96-59 to reach the Sweet 16.
RELATED: 2025 Women’s March Madness: UCLA, USC continue tournament run after weekend wins
"My prayers and thoughts are with JuJu," MSU coach Sam Purcell said. "Obviously, we’re competitors and you never want to see that, especially what she means for women’s basketball."
The Backstory of JuJu Watkins
Watkins has enjoyed good health in her brief college career. She started all 34 of USC’s games as a freshman, when she was second in scoring nationally with 27.1 points a game. Her 920 points set a national record for freshman scoring.
USC reached the Elite Eight last year, losing to Paige Bueckers and UConn. The teams could meet again in a regional final in Spokane, Washington, this year.
During the Game
After Watkins was hurt, the crowd loudly booed Mississippi State every time it had the ball. The school’s cheerleaders were booed during their halftime routine and the crowd got on the team again as it warmed up for the second half.
"They’re gonna stand behind their home team. They’re gonna go hard for JuJu," said MSU guard Jerkaila Jordan, who scored 17 points. "I couldn’t do nothing but respect them."
Watkins had three free throws, one rebound and two assists in five minutes.
In the second quarter, USC guard Malia Samuels went down hard on the baseline. She held her head in her hands as the crowd booed and Gottlieb again came rushing out to check on the sophomore, who ran the offense in Watkins’ absence.
"I was relieved to hear her say, ‘I’m good,’" Gottlieb said.
The Trojans appeared undaunted by the injury to their star. They rushed the floor in celebration after senior Rayah Marshall banked in a 3-pointer to beat the halftime buzzer and extend the lead to 50-27.
"They gave us a lot of energy, especially when things weren’t going our way at the beginning," said Kiki Iriafen, who scored a season-high 36 points.
Watkins hurt her left hand after the ball jammed her fingers in USC’s first-round blowout win over UNC Greensboro. She later came up limping on her left leg and winced.
"It’s the end of the season, body is a little banged up," she said afterward. "On to the next. Nobody cares. I’m all good."
Conclusion
The injury to JuJu Watkins is a significant blow to the USC Trojans and their chances in the NCAA Tournament. Despite the setback, the team showed resilience and determination, winning the game against Mississippi State and advancing to the Sweet 16. The road ahead will be challenging, but the Trojans are determined to make the most of their season.
FAQs
Q: What type of injury did JuJu Watkins sustain?
A: JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending right knee injury.
Q: Will JuJu Watkins undergo surgery?
A: Yes, JuJu Watkins will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation.
Q: How did the crowd react to the injury?
A: The crowd went silent and later booed Mississippi State every time they had the ball.
Q: How did the USC Trojans perform after the injury?
A: The USC Trojans won the game 96-59 and advanced to the Sweet 16.
Q: What is the prognosis for JuJu Watkins’ recovery?
A: The prognosis for JuJu Watkins’ recovery is not specified, but she will undergo surgery and rehabilitation.
