In a heartbreaking turn of events, USC Trojans star guard JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the team’s 96-59 victory over Mississippi State in the second round of the women’s NCAA tournament. Watkins went down in the first quarter of the game in what appeared to be a non-contact injury to her right knee. Following the incident, there were tense moments between players from both teams, with Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell defending his team against backlash and sending well wishes to Watkins.
Purcell emphasized that his team does not play to hurt opponents, but rather to compete, and urged society not to escalate the situation with harmful comments or threats. USC, now without their star guard, will face No. 5 seed Kansas State in the Sweet 16 as they strive to make it to the NCAA title game.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges that come with competing at a high level in college basketball. The Trojans will need to regroup and adjust their game plan without Watkins, but they remain determined to push forward in the tournament.
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