USC overcomes JuJu Watkins' injury to defeat Kansas State in March Madness
- Southern California Trojans defeated Kansas State Wildcats 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
- Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell stepped up for USC in the absence of star player JuJu Watkins.
- This victory allows USC to advance to the Elite Eight, aiming for their first national title since 2003.
In Spokane, Washington, the Southern California Trojans faced off against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament on March 29, 2025. This significant match came after the Trojans' star player JuJu Watkins suffered a torn ACL in a previous game, leaving a crucial gap in the team's lineup. Despite this setback, Kennedy Smith stepped up remarkably, scoring 19 points, while fellow freshman Avery Howell contributed 18 points to secure a 67-61 victory for USC. This win marked a pivotal moment for the Trojans, who have been seen as potential title contenders throughout the tournament. The game was highly competitive, with Kansas State showing resilience, especially with standout performances from Serena Sundell, who scored 22 points, and Ayoka Lee, contributing 12 points. A notable moment in the match involved a third-quarter run from USC that gave them a lead they would ultimately maintain despite Kansas State's attempts to regain control. The Trojans' ability to close out the game from the free-throw line was key in ensuring their progression to the Elite Eight. USC's victory was not just a team effort but also a tribute to JuJu Watkins, as players wore shirts featuring her face and honored her throughout the match. After the game, coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed the sentiment that the team was playing for their injured star, aiming to continue their journey in the tournament as they faced UConn in the next round. With this win, the Trojans are looking to advance deeper into the NCAA Tournament and potentially secure their first national title since 2003. Kansas State's elimination from the tournament was disappointing for the program, as this year they made it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2002. Despite their defeat, the Wildcats' season was commendable, and they exhibited strong performance throughout their campaign. This match highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament and underscored how injuries can dramatically impact team dynamics and outcomes in high-stakes games such as NCAA March Madness.