Basketball news: JuJu Watkins’ injury dampens USC’s March Madness hopes

By Geoffrey Latayan

The promising season for the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team was dashed five minutes into the 2025 NCAA Tournament Round-of-32 clash with Mississippi State on Monday. 

JuJu Watkins, the team’s leading scorer, suffered a torn ACL on her right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Watkins, who entered the game averaging 24.7 points per game, crumpled to the floor after trying to score on a fast break against two Bulldogs defenders. 

Her knee bent awkwardly as she planted her right foot.

For USC, Watkins’ injury means the Trojans’ chances of winning their first national title in 41 years, and third overall, have been dealt a major blow after they were tipped as one of the favorites to the championship.

Gottlieb felt the dread in the stands

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb admitted she was rattled after seeing her star player lying on the floor and crying. 

But Gottlieb rallied her troops and they delivered a game that Watkins herself would have been proud of. 

Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen, the team’s second-leading scorer, stepped up and tallied a season-high 36 points, leading the Trojans to a 96-59 win and setting up a Sweet 16 confrontation with Big 12 Conference powerhouse Kansas State (28-7).

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Freshmen stepping up for the Trojans

Iriafen’s beast-like performance also opened the opportunities for three freshmen who took it to themselves and dedicated their performances to their fallen comrade.

Kayleigh Heckel scored 13 points and dished off six assists, as she effectively distributed the ball to her team-mates. 

Avery Howell provided the outside sniping, finishing with 18 points, knocking down four 3-pointers, and six assists.

Kennedy Smith, meanwhile, provided the defensive spunk that Watkins usually brings, finishing with five steals and 10 points.

Watkins’ injury could result in two things for USC. The first is to be emotionally affected and lose focus in their next game, ending their campaign. 

Or they could use this as a rallying cry that would motivate them down the stretch and win the title for Watkins.

Let’s just wait and see in the coming days on which USC team will come out in the next round.

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