USC's JuJu Watkins out of tourney, reportedly due to torn ACL

Southern California standout forward JuJu Watkins will miss the remainder of the NCAA Tournament after hurting her right knee in the top-seeded Trojans' second-round victory on Monday.

According to a statement from the basketball program, Watkins "will undergo surgery and then begin rehabilitation shortly thereafter."

The school did not specify the injury, but ESPN reported late Monday night that Watkins tore her anterior cruciate ligament.

Midway through the first quarter of the Trojans' matchup with Mississippi State in Los Angeles, Watkins was knocked to the floor as she was fouled on a drive to the basket.

Watkins, the nation's second-leading scorer at 24.6 points per game, grabbed her right knee and writhed in pain before trainers tended to her. She was helped off the court, avoiding putting weight on the injured leg. She had three points, two assists and one rebound before exiting.

Following USC's 96-59 win, Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb said, "This team rallied for her. Our fans had our back. I'm just really proud. ... It was a true team effort. I don't think I'll forget this night for a lot of reasons."

Gottlieb added, "I'd be lying if I told you that I wasn't rattled seeing JuJu on the court and crying."

Watkins' Trojans teammate, Malia Samuels, also left the Monday game to be checked for a concussion after being hit in the head. She returned to the sidelines shortly thereafter.

USC will face fifth-seeded Kansas State in the Sweet 16 on Saturday in Spokane Region 4.

--Field Level Media