Empire State Review Team 
JuJu Watkins Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury in NCAA Tournament
LOS ANGELES – Southern California’s JuJu Watkins suffered a significant knee injury during the first quarter of a crucial NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament matchup against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025.
Injury Details
Watkins, a standout sophomore for the USC Trojans, experienced a right knee injury when engaged with defenders while trying to drive towards the basket. The injury occurred as she awkwardly planted her right leg, leading to a non-contact incident that caused her to collapse on the court in visible pain.
Following the incident, USC’s coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, expressed concern: I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu lying on the floor and crying.
The atmosphere in Galen Center turned somber as teammates gathered around her, and she was subsequently carried off the court while USC held a 13-2 lead.
Impact on the Team
Despite the emotional setback, the Trojans successfully defeated Mississippi State with a final score of 96-59, securing their spot in the Sweet 16. After the injury, the crowd expressed their discontent toward the opposing team, booing Mississippi State players during their possessions.
MSU’s coach, Sam Purcell, addressed the situation, saying, My prayers and thoughts are with JuJu. Obviously, we’re competitors, and you never want to see that, especially what she means for women’s basketball.
What Lies Ahead for Watkins
Watkins is set to undergo surgery and rehabilitation for the injury, which has put an end to her season. Renowned for her performance, she averaged 24.6 points per game and had previously completed an impressive freshman year, ranking second in the nation in scoring.
During her first collegiate season, Watkins established a record for freshman scoring with 920 points and played an integral role in leading USC to the Elite Eight last year, wherein they were defeated by fellow powerhouse UConn.
Game Context and Player Updates
In the immediate aftermath of Watkins’ injury, tension was palpable in the Galen Center, especially as another USC player, Malia Samuels, faced an injury scare. However, she assured the coaching staff, I’m good,
after being assessed on the sideline.
USC rallied together in Watkins’ absence, showcasing a determined and energetic performance that saw players like Kiki Iriafen score a season-high 36 points, lifting team morale and focus during a challenging time.
