USC’s JuJu Watkins Carried Off in Tears, Fans Erupt as Trojans Dominate
LOS ANGELES – The dream run of USC’s JuJu Watkins took a terrifying turn Monday night as the superstar guard collapsed in agony just five minutes into the Trojans’ second-round NCAA tournament clash against Mississippi State. The Galen Center, electric just moments before, fell into stunned silence as Watkins grabbed her right knee and remained on the floor.
Watkins, a human highlight reel all season, was attacking the rim on a fast break when her right leg buckled on a brutal landing. Trainers rushed to her side, and in a moment that sent chills through the crowd, she was carried off the court, unable to put any weight on her leg. A once-jubilant atmosphere turned hostile as fans relentlessly booed Mississippi State throughout the rest of the game—heck, even their cheerleaders weren’t spared at halftime.
USC, however, responded like warriors. Kiki Iriafen delivered a jaw-dropping, season-high 36-point performance on a scorching 16-of-22 shooting night, leading the Trojans to a 96-59 beatdown of Mississippi State. Even without their leader, they refused to crumble, punching their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the second straight year.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb offered no immediate update postgame, saying only that Watkins was receiving “incredible medical care.” ESPN’s Holly Rowe later reported that Watkins was seen leaving the arena in a wheelchair before being taken to a local medical facility for an MRI, fueling concerns that the Trojans’ brightest star may be sidelined at the worst possible time.
Watkins has been the engine behind USC’s sensational 29-3 season, averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. An Associated Press All-American and a frontrunner for National Player of the Year, her presence has transformed USC into a true championship threat. But now, as the Trojans march on, the million-dollar question looms—can they survive without her?
Fans haven’t forgotten last year’s heartbreak, when Watkins’ magical freshman campaign ended in an Elite Eight loss to Paige Bueckers and UConn. The two powerhouses could be on a collision course once again, but this time, USC’s fate may rest in the hands of its supporting cast.
As the college basketball world holds its breath for an update, one thing is certain—March Madness just got a whole lot crazier.
