LOS ANGELES – Monday night turned into a nightmare for USC basketball fans. JuJu Watkins, the electric heart of the Trojans, suffered a devastating injury during their second-round NCAA March Madness clash with Mississippi State. Five minutes into the game at Galen Center, Watkins collapsed, clutching her right knee in agony, tears streaming down her face. She couldn’t walk off—staff had to carry her away. USC still crushed Mississippi State 96-59, securing a Sweet 16 spot, but the victory was bittersweet. The diagnosis hit hard: a torn ACL. JuJu Watkins’ injury means her season’s over, and March Madness just lost its brightest star.

How the JuJu Watkins Injury Happened

It was a classic Watkins moment gone wrong. She darted down the court on a fast break, ball in hand, ready to dazzle the LA crowd. Then, disaster—she collided with two Mississippi State defenders, her right leg twisting awkwardly. Down she went, hands on her knee, and Galen Center fell silent. Trainers raced over, teammates froze, and after a gut-wrenching wait, she was carried off. Fans cheered her name, but the vibe was grim. Halftime brought no relief—USC ruled her out. Post-game tests confirmed the torn ACL, sidelining her until 2026.

The Credit For Video Clip Goes To: ESPN

Why JuJu Watkins Matters to USC Basketball

If you’re new to USC basketball, here’s the scoop: JuJu Watkins is a 19-year-old sophomore from LA, and she’s a phenom. She averaged 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season—stats that scream superstar. She’s got speed, a silky shot, and pure grit. Named Big Ten Player of the Year and a two-time All-American, she’s the reason USC was a top seed in March Madness. Now, with the JuJu Watkins injury, the Trojans face No. 5 Kansas State in Spokane, Washington, this Saturday. Can they keep their championship dreams alive?

Trojans Rally Despite the Loss

USC didn’t fold after Watkins went down. Kiki Iriafen, another LA native, stepped up huge, dropping 36 points—her career high—to seal the win. The crowd turned hostile, booing Mississippi State like they’d stolen something precious. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb fought back tears post-game. “Seeing JuJu crying out there—it ripped me apart,” she said. “But this team fought for her.” Watkins isn’t just a player; she’s the soul of USC basketball, a local legend who packs the stands.

America Feels the JuJu Watkins Injury

The shockwave hit beyond LA. A rival coach said he’d ditch interviews to watch Watkins play. A WNBA star tweeted, “Torn ACL? Praying for JuJu—she’s the future.” A college kid from the SEC posted, “She’s unreal—get better soon.” Fans swarmed social media with support. Watkins isn’t just big in Cali—she’s a national icon, rocking Nike deals and TV ads. Her torn ACL pauses a career that could’ve rewritten record books.

What’s Next After the Torn ACL?

A torn ACL is brutal—think six to nine months of recovery. Watkins faces surgery soon, then months of rehab to rebuild that knee. She left Galen Center in a wheelchair Monday, headed for an MRI, with USC’s top doctors on it. If all goes well, she might return by late 2025 or early 2026. For now, she’s out of March Madness, leaving fans counting the days.

Can USC Survive March Madness Without Her?

USC’s chasing their first title since 1984. They hit the Elite Eight last year but fell to UConn. This year, with the JuJu Watkins injury, UConn or South Carolina could loom again. Kansas State’s next, and they’ll pounce on USC’s weakness. Iriafen’s a stud, but the Trojans need more to keep rolling. LA fans will roar at Galen Center to fuel this squad’s run.

A Star Paused, Not Stopped

Watkins is America’s hoops princess—LA-born, USC-bred, a game-changer who made the Trojans a must-watch. Her torn ACL hurts, but she’s tough as nails. Fans know she’ll bounce back stronger. For now, USC battles on in March Madness, and JuJu heals up. Want the latest on her recovery or USC’s next game? Bookmark this page—we’ll keep you posted!

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