Los Angeles, California – The women’s NCAA basketball tournament is in full swing, with the Sweet 16 teams now set. However, the excitement of the games was overshadowed by a devastating injury to one of college basketball’s standout players.

During a Monday night matchup between Southern California and Mississippi State, USC sophomore guard JuJu Watkins, a first-team All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year, suffered a serious injury. Watkins, a key player for the Trojans, had to be carried off the court after crashing to the floor and grabbing her knee in the first quarter. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed concern, stating, “I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t rattled, seeing JuJu on the floor and crying.”

The university confirmed that Watkins’ injury is season-ending, and she will undergo surgery. Despite Watkins’ absence, the top-seeded Trojans went on to defeat Mississippi State 96-59, advancing to the Sweet 16.

Watkins, the second-leading scorer in NCAA Division I, was known for her scoring prowess and was a crucial part of USC’s success. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team moves forward in the tournament.

In another matchup, the Iowa Hawkeyes faced a tough loss in the second round against Oklahoma. The team, now without star player Caitlin Clark, struggled to fill the void left by her departure. Under new head coach Jan Jensen, the Hawkeyes showed resilience but ultimately fell short against a strong Oklahoma team.

Looking ahead, UConn Huskies standout Paige Bueckers led her team to a dominant victory in the second round, scoring 32 points to secure a spot in the Sweet 16. Bueckers’ stellar performance comes after her return from a previous knee injury, showcasing her resilience and determination on the court.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and impressive performances from the remaining teams vying for a shot at the championship title.