LOS ANGELES — USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the court just five minutes into the Trojans’ second-round women’s NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State on Monday night because of an apparent right knee injury.
The team, in a statement at halftime, announced that Watkins was being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and would not return to the game.
As Watkins drove to the basket on a fast break between two defenders, she was fouled and her right knee buckled as she planted her right leg, causing her to collapse to the floor. Watkins immediately grabbed her right knee and stayed down for over a minute.
The crowd at Galen Center collectively held its breath as trainers eventually had to lift up Watkins and carry her into the locker room. She was 0-of-2 shooting, with three free throws, one rebound and two assists before exiting.
“She’s getting seen by our great medical team. We have a group, and a fan base and a team that’s going to have her back no matter what,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb told ESPN after halftime. “JuJu is the toughest kid I know and she’s gonna be good one way or another.”
USC beat Mississippi State 96-59 to advance to the Sweet 16.
Watkins, an Associated Press All-American selection and a contender for national player of the…
