**JuJu Watkins’ Season-Ending Injury in NCAA Tournament**
JuJu Watkins, a standout player in women’s college basketball, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a second-round NCAA Tournament game. The USC guard’s injury occurred while driving to the basket against Mississippi State, leading to a torn ACL. Despite her absence, USC advanced to the Sweet 16 but was ultimately eliminated by UConn in the Elite Eight. Following the game, Watkins expressed her gratitude for the support she has received during her recovery.
### JuJu Watkins’ Injury Details
– **Injury Date**: March 24, during a game against Mississippi State.
– **Injury Type**: Torn ACL in her right knee.
– **Impact on Team**: USC advanced to the Sweet 16 but lost to UConn in the Elite Eight.
### Watkins’ Performance and Future
Watkins had an impressive season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 33 games. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb mentioned that Watkins’ status for the 2025-26 season remains uncertain, stating, “We don’t know what JuJu will do. Will she take the whole year and redshirt? Will she try to come back at some point?”
### Quotes from JuJu Watkins
In her Instagram story, Watkins shared her feelings about the support she received:
– “Thank you all for the incredible love and support. Seeing all your messages and kind words has meant the world to me — y’all have given me so much hope.”
– “Right now, my heart is with my teammates – I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we’ve fought together.”
### Conclusion
As USC looks to maintain its competitive edge in women’s college basketball, the future of JuJu Watkins remains a topic of interest. How will her recovery impact the team’s performance in the upcoming seasons?
**FAQs:**
**What happened to JuJu Watkins during the NCAA Tournament?**
JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury, specifically a torn ACL, during a game against Mississippi State on March 24.