Juju Watkins Carried Off Court With Leg Injury: USC Trojans vs. Mississippi State

First Quarter:

3:02: Mississippi State continues to struggle offensively with strong defensive play by the Trojans. Mississippi State has to use another time-out to slow down the momentum. The USC Trojans lead the game, 17-2.

4:43: The Trojans open up with momentum. Kiki Iriafen makes her first points of the game with a three-point shot. JuJu Watkins is on the ground and grabs her knee in clear pain. Had to be carried off the court following a non-contact injury. The USC Trojans lead the game, 13-2.

7:10: Mississippi State begins the game with multiple turnovers. After over a minute of scoreless action, USC guard Talia von Oelhoffen is the first on the board with a three-point shot. Center Rayah Marshall extends the lead with two points. JuJu Watkins earns two free throws, making one. The USC Trojans lead the game, 9-0.

Pre-Game:

Betting Odds:

The USC Trojans are 19.5-point favorites to defeat the Mississippi State Bulldogs on FanDuel Sportsbook. The moneyline for USC is -4500 and the total points are 144.5.

USC vs. Mississippi State preview:

The Trojans defeated the UNC Greensboro Spartans, 71-21. USC had a slow first quarter, but stepped it up throughout the game, especially on defense. The Trojans did not allow the Spartans to score more than ten points in each quarter. 

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins led the Trojans in scoring with 22 points. She also joined former Ohio State Buckeyes guard Kelsey Mitchell as the only two players to record over 1,700 points in their first two seasons. Watkins also stands at No. 6 for all-time points in USC women’s basketball history at 1,706 points.

Forward Kiki Iriafen had a slow start to the game, but with a strong second half, she finished the game with 13 points and led the team with 13 rebounds. Center Rayah Marshall led the Trojans with seven blocks.

After the game, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb spoke to the media about the game, acknowledging that the team did start slow on offense.

“I thought we were a little bit rusty on offense early, but also that was credit to UNCG who came out and played some tough D,” Gottlieb said. “I thought we figured it out together. I thought our defense was our calling card, I think the pressure helped get us going.

“I thought we got contributions from everyone. I thought, you know, our bench came in and did a really good job today as well as, you know, our go-to people sitting right there who hold us down day in and day out,” Gottlieb continued.

Something to watch in the matchup against Mississippi State is Watkins and potential lingering injuries. Early in the game, Watkins continuously shook her hand showing signs of pain, but played through. 

In the third quarter, Watkins landed awkwardly on her ankle, causing her to exit the game. Watkins did return to the matchup and played through it. After the game, Watkins spoke about her injuries.

“Oh yeah, I’m all good,” Watkins said. “I wasn’t worried at all."

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are coming off a win against the No. 8 California Golden Bears, 59-46. Center Madina Okat and guard Eniya Russell both led the Bulldogs with 14 points. Okot also led the team with 13 rebounds. Mississippi State guard Jerkaila Jordan led the team with four steals.

The Bulldogs played well defensively in the first round, limiting California to just 46 points. The Trojans will need to start stronger than they did against UNCG to avoid an upset.

If USC defeats Mississippi State, the Trojans will face the Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16.

• Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 
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