JuJu Watkins Exits NCAA Second Round With Injury

Written by

Sara Jane Gamelli

The unimaginable has happened. USC Trojan star JuJu Watkins has exited the second-round matchup against Mississippi State after suffering a contact lower leg injury.

USC Trojans Sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins has suffered an injury that occurred during the first quarter in the NCAA second round matchup. The incident happened on the fast break, where Watkins took a tumble between two defenders. With 4:43 remaining in the first quarter, Watkins immediately grabbed her right knee. 

Grimacing in pain, Watkins spent several minutes screaming in agony with teammates nearby, and was later carried off the floor and headed straight to the locker room. Watkins night ended with three points, two assists, and one rebound. 

Evaluated by USC Keck Medical Staff, Watkins has been ruled out for the remainder of the matchup. Released in a statement by USC, “JuJu Watkins is being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and will not return to competition in tonight’s NCAA Second Round game.”

JuJu Watkins is being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and will not return to competition in tonight’s NCAA Second Round game.

— USC Women’s Basketball (@USCWBB) March 25, 2025

JuJu Watkins Injury Could Be Devastating For USC

This is a major blow to USC, as the basketball world awaits the extent of Watkins injury. Destined to meet No. 2 UConn in the Elite Eight, No. 1 USC will continue to pursue their push for a NCAA Championship, with or without Watkins. It will be quite the rigorous schedule for USC, who will likely face No. 5 Kansas State in the Round of 16 in Spokane. Having lost to UConn in the Elite Eight last year, the two teams could possibly still meet once again.

The Big Ten Player of the Year, Watkins is the heart and soul of this Trojans. A generational talent on both sides of the ball, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks on the season. A crucial part to the Trojans success, the LA native was averaging 22 points, 8.0 rebounds, two assists, and three steals through the NCAA tournament heading into tonight. 

A candidate for National Player of the Year, Watkins absence will certainly change the landscape of the tournament. 

USC Dances Into The Sweet 16 Without Watkins

As for USC, the team, fans, and coaches will continue to really around Watkins no matter the outcome. During halftime, Trojans head coach Lindsey Gottlieb released a quick update pertaining to her iconic player. 

“She’ [JuJu Watkins] is getting seen by our great medical team. We have a group, a fan base, and a team that’s going to have her back no matter what,” Gottlieb told ESPN.  “JuJu is the toughest kid I know and she’s gonna be good one way or another.”

Although USC captured a dominating 96-59 victory over Mississippi State, all eyes remain on Juju Watkins. Per ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Watkins was wheeled out into the nearest medical center for further evaluation and an MRI.

While the extent of the injury is unknown, the loss of JuJu Watkins is irreplaceable. The whole basketball world will hope for the best possible outcome. More to come on this breaking story. 

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Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on Women’s Basketball and the NBA. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Connecticut.