The Women’s Sweet 16 tips off Friday afternoon, but injuries to key players loom large. No. 1 seed USC star JuJu Watkins, averaging 24.6 points per game, tore her ACL in the team’s last game and will be out for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Maryland secured its spot with a double-overtime win against No. 5 seed Alabama, while No. 1 seed South Carolina’s +71 point differential underscores its dominance. With all four No. 1 seeds advancing, the competition is fierce. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest injuries and how they could impact outcomes.
Women’s NCAA Tournament: Sweet 16 Injury Report
No. 1 Seed USC Trojans
USC’s championship hopes took a major hit as star JuJu Watkins suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during the Trojans’ second-round victory over No. 9 seed Mississippi State. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday that Watkins will undergo season-ending surgery, with rehabilitation to follow.
The injury occurred just five minutes into USC’s 96-59 win when Watkins was fouled on a fast break and collapsed, clutching her knee.
“I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.
No. 2 Seed Duke Blue Devils
Meanwhile, Duke forward Toby Fournier is set to return for the Sweet 16 after missing the Blue Devils’ second-round game against No. 10 seed Oregon due to an illness.
Coach Kara Lawson confirmed Thursday that the ACC Rookie of the Year will be available for Duke’s Friday matchup against No. 3 seed North Carolina. Fournier, Duke’s leading scorer at 13.4 points per game, was instrumental in the team’s Feb. 27 victory over the Tar Heels, recording 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Women’s Sweet 16 Announcers: Full List of March Madness Broadcast Personalities For the NCAA Tournament
UNC’s Alyssa Ustby and Reniya Kelly should also be available for the game.
