USC star sophomore JuJu Watkins left Monday’s second-round matchup against Mississippi State after appearing to injure her right knee while driving to the hoop midway through the first quarter.
Watkins immediately grabbed her right knee as she fell to the court in pain. Unable to walk, Watkins had to be carried to the locker room by USC trainers.
USC announced at halftime Watkins was being evaluated by medical staff and would not return to the game.
An injury to Watkins, the frontrunner for National Player of the Year, would represent a major blow to USC’s chances of a tournament run.
USC star JuJu Watkins writhes in pain as he teammates stand above her during the first quarter Monday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)