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JuJu Watkins injury update: USC star leaves to locker room, returns to game vs. UNC Greensboro

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery03/22/25
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(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The USC Trojans were one of the favorites coming into the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament. And rightfully so, due to superstar JuJu Watkins, who’s been one of the best players in women’s basketball history.

The top-seeded Trojans were taking care of business on Saturday, routing UNCG, but unfortunately, they suffered a serious scare. JuJu Watkins rolled her ankle, left to the locker room, and quickly returned to the game.

Her status will be important to monitor moving forward. The Trojans handled UNC Greensboro in blowout fashion, 71-25. Watkins finished with 22 points and eight rebounds in their opening round win. Kiki Iriafen also stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while dishing out two assists and grabbing one steal.

USC had a dominant advantage on the glass Saturday, outrebounding the Spartans 60-34. Not only that, but they also forced UNCG into 23 turnovers. Neither team shot particularly well, but UNCG was abysmal, hitting just 7 of 54 shots from the field (13.0%). The Trojans connected on 27 of 72 shots from the field (37.5%). USC had some pretty exceptional defense, with 17 steals on Saturday.

Next up, the Trojans will face off against the winner of the California/Mississippi State matchup. That game is currently underway on ESPN2. We’ll see who comes out on top for the chance to face one of the top seeds in the tournament.

Watkins has racked up the hardware during her highly decorated career, including Big Ten Player of the Year honors as well as being a unanimous selection for All-Big Ten First Team. She’s once again one of the most dominant players in the women’s game, averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per outing. She’s also connected on 42.5% of her shots from the field.

USC currently sits at 29-3 overall this season. They lost to UCLA in the Big Ten Championship Game, 72-67.