JuJu Watkins, one of college basketball’s biggest stars, was injured in the first quarter of USC’s NCAA Tournament Game against Mississippi State on Monday.
The injury came shortly after a turnover. Watkins received an outlet pass from Kiki Iriafen and sprinted up the court, working against two Mississippi State defenders. As Watkins approached the basket, she fell hard to the ground, where she remained for close to two minutes.
Eventually, Watkins was helped to her feet and carried into the locker room.
USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off of the court in the first quarter of Monday’s NCAA Tournament game vs. Mississippi State. pic.twitter.com/Fiqtejuo9o
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 25, 2025
Naturally, college basketball fans were saddened to see Watkins go down with such an apparently serious injury.
That’s a real shame. She has been sensational while fighting through other injuries along the way. https://t.co/pNrVdZP9cd
— Hubie Talks Hoops (@HubieTalksHoops) March 25, 2025
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 25, 2025
Really awful. https://t.co/dbbcHGPBDt
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) March 25, 2025
Oh no https://t.co/tpV5R2qI7p
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 25, 2025
Oh no… https://t.co/bZB3xs5ie0
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) March 25, 2025
Ugh. Hoping this isn’t as bad as it looks. https://t.co/p9YxPzLRY7
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) March 25, 2025
It was otherwise a great first quarter for the Trojans, who opened up a commanding 28-8 lead on the Bulldogs. At the time of her injury, Watkins had three points with two assists and one rebound. For the season, Watkins has averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocked shots per game.
