The entire NCAA Women’s Tournament received devastating news after it was announced that USC star JuJu Watkins will now miss the remainder of the competition due to an ACL injury.
According to the Trojans, she will undergo surgery on her right knee.
The 19-year-old Watkins, widely regarded as the best women’s college player, suffered the debilitating setback in their game against Mississippi State in the second round on Monday.
Despite the exit of the do-it-all guard, the top-seeded USC still routed the ninth-seeded Bulldogs, 96-59, to advance to the Sweet 16. Kiki Iriafen exploded for a season-high 36 points on 16-of-22 shooting to lead the Trojans, while Avery Howell added 18 points.
Following Watkins’ season-ending injury, ESPN host Elle Duncan drove home a strong point about the NCAA Women’s Tournament.
USC guard JuJu Watkins before their game in the NCAA Women’s Tournament.Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
“As deflating as losing JuJu is, I hope that over the next few days, we can process it and remind people that there are a lot of great players and storylines still in this tournament,” said Duncan on ESPN Radio.
She cited the thrilling double-overtime game between the fourth-seeded Maryland and the fifth-seeded Alabama in the second round. The Terrapins escaped, 111-108, to move on to the Sweet 16, where they will face the Trojans.
“It was heavyweight punch after heavyweight punch,” said Duncan. “I have the most anxiety watching people have to shoot free throws to either tie or win the game.”
She also praised Maryland for going this far in the tournament despite a relatively unknown roster led by the prolific guard duo of Kaylene Smikle and Shyanne Sellers.
“When you think about this Terps team, Brenda Frese is one of those longstanding coaches, a great coach,” noted Duncan. “But at the same time, I think they have 10 new players on the roster.
“For all intents and purposes, they should not be in the Sweet 16, but alas, they find themselves there.”
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