LOS ANGELES — USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the court docket simply 5 minutes into the Trojans’ second-round NCAA match recreation in opposition to Mississippi State on Monday night time after showing to injure her proper knee.
As Watkins drove to the basket on a quick break between two defenders, she was fouled and her proper knee buckled as she planted her proper leg, inflicting her to break down to the ground. Watkins instantly grabbed her proper knee and stayed down for over a minute.
The group at Galen Middle collectively held its breath as trainers ultimately needed to carry up Watkins and carry her into the locker room. She was 0-of-2 taking pictures, with three free throws, one rebound and two assists earlier than exiting.
The staff announced at halftime that Watkins was being evaluated by medical employees and wouldn’t return. The Trojans, led by Kiki Iriafen‘s season-high 36 factors on 16-of-22 taking pictures, would go on to beat Mississippi State 96-59 to succeed in the Candy 16 for a second straight 12 months.
USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb didn’t have an replace on Watkins after the sport, saying solely that “she’s getting unimaginable medical care.”
ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported that Watkins left the world in a wheelchair and was taken to an area medical middle for additional analysis, together with an MRI.
After Watkins was damage, the group loudly booed Mississippi State each time it had the ball. The varsity’s cheerleaders have been booed throughout their halftime routine and the group received on the staff once more because it warmed up for the second half.
“She’s the important thing for us. We did not wish to let her down,” Iriafen advised ESPN afterward. “We simply wish to hold dancing, so no matter it takes is what I wished to do. I feel it simply exhibits our toughness.”
Watkins, an Related Press All-American choice and a contender for nationwide participant of the 12 months, is averaging 24.6 factors, 7 rebounds and three.5 assists and has been the driving drive behind the Trojans’ 29-3 marketing campaign, one which noticed them earn the fourth No. 1 seed on this 12 months’s NCAA match.
“This staff rallied, they rallied for her, they rallied for one another,” Gottlieb stated.
USC beat UNC Greensboro 71-25 within the first spherical. Throughout that recreation, Watkins damage her left hand after the ball jammed her fingers. She later got here up limping on her left leg and winced.
“It is the tip of the season, physique is a little bit banged up,” she stated afterward. “On to the subsequent. No one cares. I am all good.”
USC reached the Elite Eight in Watkins’ first season a 12 months in the past, dropping to Paige Bueckers and UConn. The groups may meet once more in a regional last in Spokane, Washington, this 12 months.
Info from The Related Press was included on this report.
