The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has been marked by both triumph and adversity, with standout performances and unexpected challenges shaping the path to the Sweet 16.
USC’s JuJu Watkins Suffers Season-Ending Injury
In a pivotal second-round matchup on March 24, 2025, the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. Midway through the first quarter, USC’s star sophomore guard, JuJu Watkins, sustained a significant right knee injury during a drive to the basket. The collision with Mississippi State’s Chandler Prater resulted in Watkins being helped off the court, unable to put weight on her leg. Prior to the injury, Watkins had contributed three points, two assists, and one rebound. (cnn.com)
Subsequent evaluations confirmed that Watkins had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ending her season prematurely. Despite this setback, the Trojans secured a decisive 96-59 victory over the Bulldogs, advancing to the Sweet 16. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed pride in her team’s resilience, stating, "This team rallied for her. Our fans had our back. I’m just really proud. … It was a true team effort. I don’t think I’ll forget this night for a lot of reasons." (reuters.com)
USC’s Continued Tournament Journey Without Watkins
The Trojans’ next challenge is a Sweet 16 matchup against the fifth-seeded Kansas State Wildcats. The absence of Watkins, who averaged 24.6 points per game this season, presents a significant hurdle. However, USC’s depth and previous experiences suggest they can adapt. In a notable February 13, 2025, game against No. 1 UCLA, Watkins led the team with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks, contributing to a 71-60 victory. (usctrojans.com)
Impact on the Women’s NCAA Tournament Landscape
Watkins’ injury underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Historically, No. 1 seeds have dominated, with 23 championships since 1994. However, the tournament has seen surprises, such as LSU’s 2023 championship as a No. 3 seed. UConn, a perennial powerhouse with 11 national titles, remains a formidable contender. Their recent performance, including Paige Bueckers’ 34-point game against South Dakota State, highlights their championship aspirations. (reuters.com)
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, teams like USC will need to adapt to challenges like Watkins’ absence. The resilience and depth of these teams will be tested, making the upcoming games even more compelling for fans and analysts alike.
JuJu Watkins’ Injury and Its Impact on the NCAA Women’s Tournament:
- USC’s JuJu Watkins leaves game with injury; prognosis unknown
- USC star JuJu Watkins sustains season-ending knee injury against Mississippi State in March Madness
- 10 players poised to become household names in NCAA Women’s Tournament
What is the typical recovery time for an ACL injury in basketball?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened to JuJu Watkins during the USC vs. mississippi State game?
- JuJu Watkins,USC’s star sophomore guard,sustained a critically important right knee injury during a drive to the basket in the first quarter.The collision with Mississippi State’s Chandler Prater resulted in Watkins being helped off the court,unable to put weight on her leg. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88?utm_source=openai))
- What is the extent of JuJu Watkins’ injury?
- Subsequent evaluations confirmed that Watkins had torn her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ending her season prematurely. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/uscs-juju-watkins-leaves-tourney-game-with-knee-injury-2025-03-25/?utm_source=openai))
- How did USC perform in the game after Watkins’ injury?
- Despite Watkins’ injury, the Trojans secured a decisive 96-59 victory over the Bulldogs, advancing to the Sweet 16. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88?utm_source=openai))
- Who stepped up in JuJu Watkins’ absence?
- Teammate Kiki Iriafen played a pivotal role, leading the team with 36 points, the most scored by a USC player in an NCAA Tournament game.
- What is the next challenge for USC in the tournament?
- The Trojans’ next challenge is a Sweet 16 matchup against the fifth-seeded Kansas State Wildcats. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/uscs-juju-watkins-leaves-tourney-game-with-knee-injury-2025-03-25/?utm_source=openai))
- how has JuJu Watkins performed this season?
- Watkins has been a standout player, averaging 24.6 points per game and leading the team with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks in a notable February 13, 2025, game against No. 1 UCLA. ([usctrojans.com](https://usctrojans.com/news/2024/3/27/womens-basketball-top-seeded-usc-womens-basketball-enters-sweet-16-for-first-time-since-1994?utm_source=openai))
- What is the importance of JuJu Watkins’ injury in the context of the NCAA Women’s Tournament?
- watkins’ injury underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Historically, No.1 seeds have dominated, with 23 championships since 1994.however, the tournament has seen surprises, such as LSU’s 2023 championship as a No. 3 seed. UConn, a perennial powerhouse with 11 national titles, remains a formidable contender. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/uscs-juju-watkins-leaves-tourney-game-with-knee-injury-2025-03-25/?utm_source=openai))
- How has the women’s NCAA Tournament evolved in recent years?
- The women’s NCAA Tournament has gained significant popularity and viewership, surpassing even the men’s tournament in some cases. Last year’s women’s final, featuring caitlin Clark, drew more viewers than the men’s final. This surge in interest has been driven by star players like JuJu Watkins of USC and Paige Bueckers of UConn,along with increased media exposure and a rising fan base. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/eecdc04800fad4d28d69b89abb3479e0?utm_source=openai))
