USC's JuJu Watkins suffers devastating knee injury in March Madness game

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USC women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins’ season came to a tough end on Monday night when the guard suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of their March Madness game against Mississippi State.

Watkins dribbled to her right on a fast break when she went down with the injury. She was seen writhing in pain grabbing her right knee. She was helped off of the floor.

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Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, #12, reacts on the floor after an injury during the first half against Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

USC said later that Watkins’ season was over.

"JuJu Watkins sustained a season-ending injury in the NCAA Second Round on Monday night. She will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter," the school said.

ESPN reported that Watkins suffered a torn ACL.

"I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't rattled seeing JuJu on the floor crying," USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said, via ESPN. "This is a human game, and so I obviously tried my best to be what I need to be for the team, but internally it's a lot."

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Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, #12, winces in pain on the floor after an injury during the first half against Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

USC won the game 96-59. Watkins had three points before she left the game with the injury.

The game took place at