JuJu Watkins Gets Support from Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, More After Knee Injury

USC's 96-59 victory over Mississippi State in the NCAA women's tournament on Monday night turned into a somber affair because of the season-ending knee injury suffered by JuJu Watkins.

Watkins went down clutching her knee late in the first quarter and had to be carried off the court.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Watkins suffered a torn ACL that will end her brilliant 2024-25 season early.

Immediately after the injury occurred, Watkins received an outpouring of love and support from the basketball community.

Watkins was in the midst of another terrific season for the Trojans. She was honored earlier this month as the Big Ten Player of the Year. The sophomore sensation ranks fifth in the nation in scoring with 23.9 points per game.

She had three points and two assists against Mississippi State prior to the injury. Her absence also leaves the Trojans in a difficult position going forward in the tournament.

Kiki Iriafen stepped up on Monday with Watkins out. She put up a season-high 36 points on 16-of-22 shooting in 31 minutes. The senior forward will be the focal point for USC's offense heading into the Sweet 16 against Kansas State.

The Trojans are in the midst of one of the best seasons in program history. They can tie the school record for wins in a single season (31) with a victory over Kansas State on Saturday.

For Watkins, the injury not only impacts the end of this season, but could also cost her time next season. The average recovery time for a torn ACL is between eight to 12 months.

It's a devastating blow for Watkins, who had the second-most points ever for a Division I player through two seasons. It's also a crushing loss for a USC team that's trying to win a national title for the first time since the 1983-84 season.