USC Players Paid Tribute To JuJu Watkins Before Sweet 16 Game
03/29/2025 07:41 PM
The entire basketball world felt for JuJu Watkins when the superstar sophomore went down with a torn ACL in USC's 96-59 win over Mississippi State on Monday.
JuJu had to be carried off the floor five minutes into the Trojans' second round game, which was a heartbreaking sight for everybody watching — especially her teammates.
But the Trojan ladies appear in good spirits heading into their Sweet 16 matchup vs. Kansas State. As they headed to the bus in Nike-branded JuJu shirts in support of their fallen All-American.
USC players are repping JuJu Watkins on their pre-game shirts ❤️
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 29, 2025
🎥: @USCWBBpic.twitter.com/A32XIXidxH
USC's national championship hopes definitely took a hit with Watkins' injury. But senior forward Kiki Iriafen knows no one's gonna feel sorry for them as they advance through the tournament.
"It's not lost on us that we've lost a key piece, but we understand there's no 'woe is me,'" Iriafen said Friday. "Other teams that we're playing are not going to play us any differently now that we don't have one of our key players. So for us, it's putting a chip on our shoulder and proving to the world that regardless of whatever adversity that we face, we can still accomplish our goals."
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb also talked about the situation following SC's Round 2 victory.
"They're hurting and feeling for their friend and teammate," Gottlieb said. "Everyone just loves JuJu so much, and at the same time their competitive spirit has not been impacted. They're here to win, and they want to win, and we believe that we can win."
"Everyone knows no one is replacing JuJu. She's one of one," she continued. "We just need to be the best versions of ourselves, and we need to do that together in order to have success."
The Trojans tip-off against the Wildcats at 8 PM ET live from Spokane Arena on ESPN.
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