What happened to JuJu Watkins? Exploring USC star’s injury status

JuJu Watkins and the No. 5 USC Trojans dominated in their 88-30 victory over the Elon Phoenix on Sunday. However, a concerning moment involving Watkins has fans concerned.

Watkins rolled her ankle with five minutes left in the fourth quarter while attempting to rebound. Despite getting back up, she limped to the locker room and did not return to the game. She finished with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks while shooting 7-for-18 from the floor.

It wasn't the first time Watkins stayed in a game that was a blowout, having played in the final minutes during USC's victory against California Baptist on Dec. 3.

JuJu Watkins has been crucial to USC's success this year

Though the injury may not be severe, it should be important for the USC Trojans to try to protect JuJu Watkins' health, especially with the win already secured with only a few minutes left in the game.

The Trojans (11-1) are on a six-game winning streak. On offense, they average 86.3 points per game on 47% shooting, including 31.7% from beyond the arc. On defense, they limit opponents to 50.5 points on 33% shooting overall and 26.5% from downtown.

They crash the glass frequently with 44.7 rebounds per game and move the ball a lot with 18.9 assists made. Their defensive tenacity tends to be on full display as well, making 12.7 steals and 7.2 blocks per contest in contrast to just 7.9 steals and 2.2 blocks from their opponents.

Watkins has played a major role in USC's victories, putting up 24.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.9 blocks per game on 45.4% shooting. Kiki Iriafen follows suit with 18.7 points and 9.2 rebounds, while Rayah Marshall averages 8.0 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

JuJu Watkins will have time to somewhat recover from the injury, hoping to be available for No. 5 USC's next contest against No. 2 UConn at the XL Center on Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET.

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