JuJu Watkins, USC’s star freshman and one of the brightest young talents in women’s college basketball, limped off from the floor after sustaining what seemed to be an injury during the Trojans’ second-round NCAA Tournament win against Mississippi State. The Trojans have now earned a berth in the Sweet Sixteen, extending their fine postseason run.
Watkins was an important part of what has been a very successful season for the Trojans when, late in the fourth quarter, she fell hard and got injured while driving to the basket. She fell hard and had to be tended to by trainers rushing to her side. After an evaluation, she was carried off the floor by staff, unable to put weight on her leg. The nature of her injury remains unclear, and the team has not yet released an official update.
Watkins had been outstanding until that point, showing why she was touted as one of the national best: she scored 28 points, snatched six rebounds, and handed out three assists – leading the Trojans to a 73-66 victory over Mississippi State.
She has been the centerpiece of USC’s revitalization this season, averaging more than 27 points a game and setting freshman marks. This combined with being a presence on the defensive end has made the Trojans into the real deal Final Four contenders.
It was back and forth in the game itself. While Mississippi State kept it within two, getting as close as one down the stretch thanks in large part to good perimeter shooting and staunch defense, the last few minutes really saw USC’s defense close in on the Bulldogs, causing some turnovers and transition opportunities. The depth of the Trojans was a huge factor in that game, especially with Watkins going down, while other players such as Rayah Marshall and McKenzie Forbes stepped in to keep the lead.
Later on, coach USC Lindsay Gottlieb spoke with the media and appreciated the team’s existence resilience in the time of trouble, while worrying about JuJu. “JuJu’s toughness and leadership have carried us all season,” said Gottlieb. We’re hoping for the best and waiting on the medical evaluation. But I’m incredibly proud of how our team responded under pressure.”
Progression to Sweet 16 also represents a landmark for the program after all the rebuilding under Gottlieb. Their next destination: playing either Baylor or Virginia Tech, and the entire United States is on bated breath expecting to see if Watkins can return for the match.
Her time in the limelight will be short, as it will be key for the hope of a championship at USC; she is America’s shining light in their homes which puts them in a position to hopefully see her take to the court during the Sweet 16. However, even if she doesn’t, her mark on the Trojans’ historic season has already been made, and her health remains first and foremost on everyone’s mind.
