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JuJu Watkins carried off court after apparent knee injury (2:42)

USC star JuJu Watkins clutches at her knee after going down in pain before being helped off the court. (2:42)

LOS ANGELES — USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the court just five minutes into the Trojans’ second-round women’s NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State on Monday night because of an apparent right knee injury.

As Watkins drove to the basket on a fast break, she was fouled and her right knee buckled as she collapsed to the floor. Watkins immediately grabbed her right knee and stayed down for over a minute.

The crowd at Galen Center collectively held its breath as trainers eventually had to lift up Watkins and carry her into the locker room. She had scored three points before exiting.

Watkins, an Associated Press All-American selection and a contender for national player of the year, is averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season and has been the driving force behind USC’s 29-3 campaign.

The Trojans earned the fourth No. 1 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament.

USC beat UNC Greensboro 71-25 in the first round.