As the final buzzer sounded, USC had secured a dominant 96-59 victory, but for head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the win felt hollow. Her thoughts weren’t on the scoreboard but on a pivotal moment earlier in the game—4:46 remaining in the first quarter.
During that sequence, Kiki Iriafen made an impressive defensive play, soaring for a block before securing the rebound and pushing the ball forward to Juju Watkins. In transition, Watkins sped down the court, weaving through defenders as Chandler Prater closed in from her left while another defender shadowed her right. Then, everything changed. Watkins took a hard fall.
USC Coach Lindsay Gottlieb on JuJu Watkins injury: “I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the court and crying.”
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) March 25, 2025
A gasp rippled through the arena as she clutched her leg. The once-deafening roar of the Galen Center turned into an eerie silence, broken only by her cries of pain.
A Shocking Scene Unfolds
After the game, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb addressed the media, admitting how deeply shaken she was by the sight of her star player in distress. “I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the court and crying,” she said.
The moment Watkins went down, the energy in the building shifted dramatically. Fans in the stands and those following along on social media scrambled for updates. The concern wasn’t just for USC’s season but for one of the brightest young stars in college basketball.
A Devastating Injury?
Sports journalist Fredo Cervantes later reported that Watkins’ parents had left their seats near center court, a sign of the deep concern surrounding her condition. Early reports suggested the possibility of an ACL tear.
Watkins was not able to put any weight on her leg and had to be carried off the court. A towel was draped over her leg, shielding the injury from view, as she was taken for further medical evaluation. ESPN’s Holly Rowe later confirmed that Watkins had been wheeled out of the arena for imaging, leaving USC fans holding their breath.
Gottlieb remained steadfast in her support for Watkins, acknowledging the difficult road ahead but emphasizing the strength of her star player. “She’s getting seen by our great medical team,” she said at halftime. “We have a group, a fan base, and a team that’s going to have her back no matter what. JuJu is the toughest kid I know, and she’s gonna be good one way or another.”
A Stellar Season Cut Short?
Before her injury, Watkins had been virtually unstoppable. In 34 starts, she averaged an incredible 27.1 points per game, setting a freshman record with 920 total points. She was on track to be one of the most dominant players in college basketball history.
Now, the focus shifts from USC’s championship hopes to what comes next for Watkins. If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, it won’t just be a blow to USC’s season—it will shake the entire landscape of women’s college basketball. The road to recovery could be long, but her resilience and talent suggest that this won’t be the last time fans see Juju Watkins shine on the court.