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JuJu Watkins injury update: USC star will not return to NCAA Second Round Game

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney03/25/25ErikTMcKinney
USC guard JuJu Watkins and HC Lindsay Gottlieb
© Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

USC superstar JuJu Watkins went down hard in the first quarter of the Trojans’ Round 2 NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State and was carried off the court.

The play came at the 4:43 mark of the first quarter when Watkins went quickly on a 1-vs-2 break and was bumped by Mississippi State guard Chandler Prater. Watkins went down hard and immediately grabbed her right knee. Trainers attended to her on the court and she was eventually carried off the floor and into the locker room.

The Trojans led the game 13-2 at the time and finished the first quarter ahead 28-8. Watkins had three points, two assists and a rebound at the time of the injury.

USC took a 50-27 lead into halftime as the Trojans are looking to become the final Sweet 16 team in this year’s Tournament.

USC announced at halftime that Watkins is being “evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and will not return to competition in tonight’s NCAA Second Round Game.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz