USC Trojans’ standout JuJu Watkins has been a dominant force throughout the season, helping position her team as a top contender for the national championship. However, their tournament run hit a major hurdle on Monday night during their matchup against Mississippi State. With just over four minutes left in the first quarter, Watkins collapsed on a fast break, clutching her knee in visible pain. The incident immediately raised concerns about a potentially serious injury, leaving fans and teammates in shock.
Following the injury, an outpouring of support flooded social media. Among those sending well wishes was Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, who shared a brief but heartfelt message on X: “Prayers up.” Her post quickly gained traction as the basketball community rallied around Watkins, expressing their hopes for a speedy recovery.
Before the unfortunate setback, Watkins had been putting up impressive numbers this season. She entered the game averaging 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks per contest. Her efficiency on the court was also notable, shooting 42.8% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc. Her absence could be a significant blow to USC’s championship aspirations, depending on the severity of the injury.
USC Women’s Basketball later confirmed on X that Watkins would not be returning for the remainder of the game. “JuJu Watkins is being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and will not return to competition in tonight’s NCAA Second Round game,” the team announced. At halftime, USC held a commanding 50-27 lead over Mississippi State, but the focus remained on Watkins’ health and future availability.
As the basketball world awaits further updates, the hope is that Watkins’ injury is not as severe as it initially appeared. Her presence has been instrumental in USC’s success, and the entire sports community is wishing for a positive outcome.
