USC star JuJu Watkins carried off the court with apparent injury in NCAA Tournament
JuJu Watkins, the second-leading scorer in the nation for USC, had to be carried off the floor by multiple people after going down in the first quarter vs. Mississippi State.
USC star sophomore JuJu Watkins had to be carried off the floor by multiple members of the Trojans’ staff after going down with an apparent lower body injury in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday night in Los Angeles, California.
As No. 1 USC led ninth-seeded Mississippi State 13-2 in the first quarter, Watkins was racing to the other end of the floor on a fast break when two defenders converged on her. After receiving some contact from one Mississippi State player, Watkins lost the ball and collapsed to the floor. She then immediately grabbed her right knee and grimaced in pain as her teammates surrounded her.
Two members of USC’s staff then lifted Watkins off her feet and carried her to the locker room.
Sending good vibes to JuJu Watkins ❤️
— Big Ten Women's Basketball (@B1Gwbball) March 25, 2025
— Stewie (@breannastewart) March 25, 2025
Prayers for Juju!
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 25, 2025
Watkins exited the game at the 4:43 mark of the opening frame, having tallied three points, two assists and a rebound. She still hadn’t returned to the bench midway through the second quarter.
USC announced during the game that Watkins would not return to the second round game on Monday night and was being evaluated.
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
A consensus First-Team All-American selection this season, Watkins averages 24.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. She led USC to the Big Ten regular season title this season in its first year in the league.
This is a developing story that SB Nation will update as more information becomes available.