The excitement at the Galen Center turned to worry. Watching Juju Watkins, USC’s star, fall was hard. The 7,808 fans held their breath.
Juju Watkins, USC’s heart, got a torn ACL early in the game against Mississippi State. This injury ended her season and shocked everyone. She was averaging 24.6 points per game, leading USC to dream big.
Even without Watkins, USC won big, 96-59. But the win felt sad. Watkins’ injury made USC’s future uncertain.
When Juju’s injury was announced, USC’s dreams were shaken. The team now faces tough games, like against UConn and UCLA. Without Watkins, players like Avery Howell and Kiki Iriafen must shine, scoring big in her place.
Key Takeaways
- Juju Watkins suffered a torn ACL during USC’s game against Mississippi State
- Watkins was averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game
- USC won the game 96-59 despite Watkins’ early exit
- The injury impacts USC’s national championship prospects
- Teammates Avery Howell and Kiki Iriafen stepped up in Watkins’ absence
- Typical ACL recovery time ranges from 9 months to 1 year
Breaking News: Juju Watkins Injury Confirmed as Torn ACL
USC Trojans women’s basketball star Juju Watkins got hurt badly in the NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State. Her promising freshman season ended just five minutes into the game.
Initial Injury Incident
Juju Watkins got a torn ACL in her right knee early in the game. This happened when USC was leading 13-2. Watkins had only three free throws, one rebound, and two assists before she left the game.
The USC vs Mississippi State women’s basketball game ended with a 96-59 win for the Trojans. This win sent them to the Sweet 16.
Official Diagnosis and Team Response
The USC Trojans women’s basketball team said Juju Watkins will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament. This news is a big hit to the team, which has a 30-3 record this season. In Watkins’ place, teammate Kiki Iriafen scored a USC tournament-record 36 points.
Impact on USC’s Tournament Prospects
Watkins’ loss is a big challenge for USC. She averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season. The team, seeded No. 1 in the tournament, must now find a new strategy to move forward.
Despite losing Watkins, the Trojans showed they can still win big. They beat Mississippi State in a dominant game.
| Player | Points (First Two Seasons) | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Mitchell (OSU) | 1,762 | 2014-16 |
| Juju Watkins (USC) | 1,709 | 2023-25 |
| Caitlin Clark (IOWA) | 1,662 | 2020-22 |
Impact on USC Women’s Basketball Championship Hopes
The USC women’s basketball team’s dreams of winning the championship were hurt by Juju Watkins’ injury. Watkins, who averaged 25 points per game, got a season-ending knee injury in the second-round NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State.
Team’s Performance Without Watkins
USC showed great strength after Watkins’ injury. They beat Mississippi State 83-57, winning 96-59. This victory was USC’s 30th of the season, a big achievement since 1986.
Adjustments to Tournament Strategy
Now, USC must change their game plan for the Sweet 16 against Kansas State. Without Watkins, others stepped up. Kiki Iriafen scored 36 points, and Avery Howell got 18 points, tying her career-high.
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s Response
Coach Lindsay Gottlieb must motivate her team without Watkins. The Trojans showed their depth with five players scoring in double figures against Mississippi State. Gottlieb will use the team’s talent to keep USC’s championship hopes alive in women’s college basketball.
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Kiki Iriafen | 36 points, 16-of-22 field goals |
| Avery Howell | 18 points, 4 three-pointers |
| Kaleigh Heckel | 13 points, 6 assists |
Timeline of Juju Watkins Injury Development
The USC women’s basketball team hit a hard bump in their NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State. Just five minutes into the game, star player Juju Watkins got hurt badly. This injury would change the Trojans’ chances of winning the championship.
Watkins, who scored an average of 24.6 points per game, was driving the ball when she crashed into several defenders. She fell down, holding her right knee in pain. The crowd fell silent as the medical team rushed to help her.
Even with the injury, USC managed to win 96-59 against Mississippi State. Kiki Iriafen scored a high of 36 points. This win sent the Trojans to the Sweet 16, where they’ll face Kansas State.
After the game, USC’s medical team checked Watkins’ injury closely. They found out she had a torn ACL in her right knee. This injury not only ended Watkins’ season but also changed USC’s tournament plans.
| Stat | Before Injury | Game vs Mississippi State |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 24.6 | 3 |
| Rebounds per game | 7.0 | 1 |
| Assists per game | 3.5 | 2 |
Without Watkins, USC will face big challenges in the NCAA tournament. The women’s college basketball world has changed a lot. The Trojans must now find new ways to play and keep their championship dreams alive.
Team’s Emotional Response and Rally After the Incident
The USC Trojans were hit hard when JuJu Watkins got hurt just five minutes into their NCAA Tournament game. The game’s score, 96-59, doesn’t show the emotional ups and downs everyone felt.
Player Reactions and Support
When Watkins’ torn ACL was announced, her teammates came together. Losing their top scorer, who averaged 24.6 points per game, was a big shock. They formed a prayer circle, showing their strength in tough times.
Rebecca Lobo, watching on TV, noted how the team’s mood changed right away.
Crowd Response at Galen Center
The Galen Center fell quiet when Watkins got hurt. Fans quickly focused on what happened to JuJu Watkins tonight. As the news hit home, the crowd’s mood changed.
They started booing Mississippi State players, showing their support for Watkins.
Team Unity Display
Despite the tough start, USC showed great strength. Kiki Iriafen scored a career-high 36 points, helping the team. They made it to the Sweet 16, showing they could overcome challenges.
This unity after Watkins’ injury inspired the Trojans to keep going in the tournament.
Medical Details and Recovery Prospects
The juju watkins acl injury is a big hit to USC’s chances of winning. Doctors say ACL tears take nine months to a year to heal. This means Watkins might miss some USC games.
Surgery Requirements and Timeline
Watkins will probably have surgery to fix her ACL. This surgery replaces the torn ligament with a graft. It’s usually done a few weeks after the injury, when swelling goes down.
Expected Rehabilitation Process
After surgery, Watkins will start a tough rehab. This includes:
- First, she’ll work on reducing swelling and getting her range of motion back.
- Then, she’ll do strengthening exercises.
- Finally, she’ll train to get her basketball skills back.
Long-term Recovery Outlook
Watkins’ young age and fitness might help her heal faster. If she heals quickly, she could play again in the 2025-26 season. Her recovery could be like Andraya Carter’s, who came back after ACL injuries.
Even with this injury, Watkins is still in the running for national player of the year. She has scored 1,709 points in college so far.
USC’s Modified Tournament Strategy Moving Forward
USC is facing a tough challenge in the NCAA Tournament. Juju Watkins, their star player, suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Watkins averaged 24.6 points per game this season.
Despite this, USC showed strength in their 96-59 win over Mississippi State. They will now move forward without Watkins.
Kiki Iriafen stepped up with 36 points in the game. She also grabbed nine rebounds and shot 72.7% from the field. Freshman Avery Howell added 18 points and four three-pointers.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Iriafen | 36 | 9 | 72.7% |
| Avery Howell | 18 | N/A | N/A |
| Juju Watkins (Pre-injury) | 24.6 (avg) | N/A | N/A |
USC’s new strategy is to score well and play strong defense. They built a 28-8 lead in the first quarter against Mississippi State. USC wants to show they can win without Watkins.
Impact on Women’s College Basketball Landscape
Juju Watkins’ injury has shocked women’s NCAA basketball. She was a key player for USC, averaging 27.1 points per game. Her injury changes the tournament’s dynamics and team rankings.
National Championship Picture Changes
With Watkins out, USC’s title hopes have faded. They beat Mississippi State 96-59, showing their strength. But, playing without Watkins will be hard.
Other teams see a chance to move up in rankings. This could improve their chances of winning the championship.
Rankings and Tournament Implications
The USC score against Mississippi State was impressive. But, keeping that level of play without Watkins will be tough. Experts like Rebecca Lobo are rethinking team strengths.
Watkins’ injury will likely change tournament seedings and predictions. It will affect upcoming games.
| Player | PPG | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Juju Watkins | 27.1 | Out (Injury) |
| Hannah Hidalgo | 22.6 | Rising Star |
| Madison Booker | 16.5 | Potential Breakout |
Teams will adjust their strategies. Players like Hannah Hidalgo and Madison Booker might get more attention. The tournament’s competitive landscape has changed. This opens doors for new stars and teams to redefine their roles in the chase for the national title.
Kiki Iriafen’s Elevated Role and Team Adjustments
Kiki Iriafen has become a key player for USC after Juju Watkins got hurt. In Watkins’ injury game, Iriafen scored a season-high 36 points. This showed how important she is to USC’s new game plan.
Iriafen has been a big help all season. She scored 25% of USC’s points in a loss to Notre Dame. In December, she had four double-doubles in five games. Her strong play helped USC win six games in a row, making them 25-2 and ranked No. 4 nationally.
| Player | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Season Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki Iriafen | 20.0 | 11.0 | Season-high 36 points, 4 double-doubles in December |
| Rayah Marshall | 9.5 | 15.0 | Season-high 15 rebounds, 4 blocks against Maryland |
| Kennedy Smith | 11.0 | 4.5 | 7 crucial points in 4th quarter against Maryland |
Now, USC’s success depends on everyone working together. Rayah Marshall’s defense, like her 15 rebounds against Maryland, helps Iriafen’s scoring. Freshmen like Kennedy Smith, Avery Howell, and Kayleigh Heckel also add important points from the bench.
Without Watkins, USC will count on Iriafen and the team’s ability to adjust. The Trojans’ depth and strength will be tested as they try to keep winning. They face a big challenge after Watkins’ ACL injury.
Future Implications for USC’s 2025-26 Season
The USC game landscape is set to change a lot in the 2025-26 season. Juju Watkins’ injury report has cast a shadow over the team’s future. USC faces big roster challenges.
The loss of key players to graduation adds to the problem. There’s also uncertainty about Juju’s recovery. This forces the Trojans to rethink their strategy.
Roster Impact and Planning
USC’s roster will see a big change. The departures of Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall are big losses. What happened to Juju makes planning even harder.
The team must prepare for different scenarios. They need to plan with and without their star player.
Recruitment Considerations
With Juju hurt, USC’s focus in recruitment has changed. The signing of Jasmine Davidson, the No. 3 recruit, is a bright spot. Her addition could help make up for some losses.
USC’s coaching staff must balance short-term needs with long-term growth. They must keep in mind the uncertain timeline of Watkins’ return.
The Trojans’ future success depends on their ability to adapt. The loss of experienced players and Juju’s injury are challenges. But they also open doors for new talent to shine.
USC’s 2025-26 season will show the program’s resilience and depth.
Watkins’ Career Statistics and Records at Risk
Juju Watkins is a rising star in USC women’s basketball. She has made a big impact on the sport. Watkins has scored 1,709 points, ranking second in Division I history after two seasons.
She is ahead of Caitlin Clark but behind Kelsey Mitchell. Watkins’ stats are impressive, showing her talent.
As a freshman, Watkins averaged 27.1 points per game. This made her second in national scoring. She set a record for freshman scoring with 920 points in her first season.
In her sophomore year, Watkins continued to impress. She averaged 24.6 points per game before her injury.
| Season | Points Per Game | Total Points | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 27.1 | 920 | 2nd |
| Sophomore | 24.6 | 789 | TBD |
The juju watkins injury, a torn ACL, has put her records at risk. This injury may affect her chance to break Caitlin Clark’s record. Despite this, Watkins is already a star in USC women’s basketball.
Conclusion
The USC Trojans women’s basketball team is facing a big challenge with JuJu Watkins’ injury. Watkins tore her ACL in a game against Mississippi State. This has shocked the college basketball world.
Despite this, USC showed great strength and won 96-59. They moved on to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row.
Watkins’ injury will surely affect USC’s chances of winning the championship. She had a 38-point game against UCLA last month. Her talent was clear.
The injury happened early in the game when USC was leading. Kiki Iriafen then scored a record 36 points for USC.
Now, USC must find a new way to play without Watkins. Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel scored 31 points off the bench. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said Watkins’ impact was huge.
This shows how hard it will be for USC without Watkins. The team’s spirit and determination will be key.
FAQ
What happened to Juju Watkins?
Juju Watkins got hurt during USC’s game against Mississippi State. She tore her ACL in a fast-break play. Watkins got wedged between two defenders, causing her knee to buckle.
How serious is Juju Watkins’ injury?
Watkins’ injury is very serious. She has a torn ACL. This usually means surgery and a long recovery.
How will Juju Watkins’ injury affect USC’s tournament chances?
Watkins’ injury hurts USC’s chances of winning. The team will have to change their strategy. They’ll need other players to step up, especially against Kansas State.
Who is expected to fill Juju Watkins’ role for USC?
Kiki Iriafen has already shown she can step up. She scored 36 points when Watkins got hurt. Players like Rayah Marshall and freshmen Kennedy Smith, Avery Howell, and Kayleigh Heckel will also play bigger roles.
What is the expected recovery timeline for Juju Watkins?
Watkins will need surgery and a long recovery. ACL injuries can take 6 to 12 months to heal. This might affect her start in the 2025-26 season.
How has the team responded to Watkins’ injury?
The team has shown great strength and unity. They finished strong against Mississippi State, even without Watkins. They showed support for her and kept competing at a high level.
What records was Juju Watkins on track to break before her injury?
Watkins was close to breaking Caitlin Clark’s NCAA D-I scoring record. She was a top scorer in Division I and was setting records at USC before her injury.
How does Juju Watkins’ injury impact the broader women’s college basketball landscape?
Watkins’ injury changes the national championship picture. It could affect rankings and tournament outcomes. It also changes expected matchups, like USC vs. UConn, and reshapes the tournament and the sport.