USC's JuJu Watkins Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury

USC star JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury during the NCAA Tournament match against Mississippi State, just five minutes into the game. Despite her absence, the Trojans secured a decisive 96-59 victory, advancing to the Sweet 16, but the injury has cast a shadow over the team's success and the tournament as a whole. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her heartbreak over Watkins' injury while praising the team's resilience in her absence, with Kiki Iriafen scoring a remarkable 36 points. Watkins, regarded as one of the brightest talents in women's basketball, was expected to contend for the Naismith Player of the Year Award. The loss of such a celebrated player not only impacts USC but also the landscape of women's college basketball, with many seeing it as a significant blow to the tournament. Support for Watkins has poured in from athletes and fans alike, highlighting her importance to the sport.