The highly anticipated matchup between JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers, which fans dreamed about on Selection Sunday, won't happen Monday night.
While No. 1 seeded USC takes on No. 2 UConn at 9 p.m. in the Elite Eight from Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington, the Trojans will be without Watson. The star sophomore suffered a season-ending knee injury on March 24 against Mississippi State in the women's NCAA Tournament second round.
Watkins, a finalist for Naismith National Player of the Year, tore her anterior cruciate ligament and is out for the remainder of the 2025 tournament.
Watkins had averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season for the Trojans. USC earned a No. 1 seed after going 31-3 and winning the Big Ten regular season championship. In the conference tournament championship game, USC lost to its rival, UCLA, which
