JuJu Watkins Injury Update: USC Star Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear in NCAA Tournament

Los Angeles, CA- In a devastating turn of events for the University of Southern California (USC) women’s basketball team, star sophomore JuJu Watkins has sustained a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The injury occurred during USC’s second-round victory against Mississippi State in the NCAA Tournament.

Watkins, 19, has been a pivotal player for the Trojans, averaging 23.9 points per game this season. Her dynamic presence on the court has been instrumental in leading USC to a No. 1 seed in the tournament. The injury happened five minutes into the game when Watkins planted her right foot on a fast break, causing her knee to bend awkwardly. She was unable to put weight on her leg and was carried off the court.

The loss of Watkins is a significant blow to USC’s championship aspirations. The team will now rely on players like Kiki Iriafen, who scored 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the game against Mississippi State, to step up in her absence.

Watkins’ injury has also reignited discussions about the prevalence of ACL injuries among female athletes. Studies have shown that women are at a higher risk for ACL tears due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and anatomical factors.

The basketball community has expressed an outpouring of support for Watkins. WNBA legend Sue Bird, who suffered a similar injury during her career, expressed her sympathy, stating she was “heartbroken” for Watkins.