Prayers up for Juju Watkins.

The USC superstar tore her ACL against Mississippi State and will miss the remainder of the season, the team confirmed. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the Trojans’ NCAA tournament matchup to secure a spot to the Sweet 16.

Watkins, who was already playing through tweaks to both her left wrist and ankle from their win over UNC Greensboro, was driving to the basket in transition when her knee appeared to buckle. She immediately fell to the ground and held her right knee, grimacing in pain.

The crowd at the Galen Center went silent.

As her teammates powered through, winning 96-59 en-route to the Sweet 16, it was later revealed that Juju was wheeled out of the arena and rushed to a nearby medical facility to receive an MRI. USC has also confirmed that Watkins will undergo surgery. 

Since the devastating news became official, the entire basketball community has offered their support to one of the games’ brightest young stars. Watkins is a generational talent, SLAM cover star and an inspiration to young girls everywhere.

Wishing you a speedy recovery, No. 12. USC will play Kansas State on Saturday in the Sweet 16. 

The post ‘Sending Juju Love’: Juju Watkins Suffers Season Ending ACL Injury appeared first on SLAM.