The NCAA women's basketball tournament saw a heart-wrenching moment recently when USC's star guard JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Trojans' second-round game against Mississippi State. The injury occurred early in the first quarter as Watkins was driving to the basket. Upon landing, she sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, resulting in the match being halted as medical staff attended to her pain-stricken state.

Watkins' premature exit from the game, which still concluded with a commanding 96-59 victory for the Trojans, has left fans and teammates devastated. As coach Lindsay Gottlieb remarked, "I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the court and crying," highlighting the emotional weight her injury has brought to the team. Prior to her injury, Watkins had captured three points in a brief five minutes of play, contributing to her impressive season average of 24.6 points per game.

The basketball community has rallied around Watkins since the incident, with numerous messages of support pouring in from other players and fans alike. Following the game, it was confirmed that she would undergo surgery, followed by a rehabilitation phase. "JuJu is a special player… and we believe that this injury will not shake her drive and dedication," Coach Gottlieb stated in a social media post that aims to uplift the morale within the team.

Despite the setback of losing their star player, the Trojans are looking to maintain their focus as they prepare for a clash against fifth-seeded Kansas State in the upcoming Sweet 16. The road ahead promises to be challenging, with the team now facing the daunting task of progressing further in the tournament without their primary scoring option, who had set a national record for freshman scoring last season.

Watkins' absence marks a significant turning point for the Trojans as they aim to continue their progress in the NCAA tournament. The matchup will take place in Spokane, Washington, where the talent and strength of the entire team will be tested in overcoming the loss of one of college basketball's most promising stars.

For more details, visit Reuters.