On Monday night, USC women's basketball fell 78-64 to UConn in the Elite Eight. With the loss, the Trojans' 2024-2025 season came to an end. Much of the loss can be attributed to the fact that the Trojans were playing without superstar Juju Watkins. Despite losing Watkins to a season-ending ACL injury in the second round, USC was able to grind its way out to two gritty victories and advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year. Ultimately, however, UConn and Paige Bueckers proved to be too much for the Trojans to overcome without their best player.
Following Monday's loss, Watkins shared a message for fans on social media.
"Thank you for all the incredible love and support," Watkins wrote on Instagram. "Seeing all your messages and kind words has meant the world to me—y'all have given me so much hope.
"Right now, my heart is with my teammates—I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn't be prouder of the fight we've fought together.
"Thank you all."
While Watkins's long-term injury status remains unknown, it is unlikely that she will be ready for the start of next season. USC is hoping that she will be able to come back at some point during the year and help the Trojans pursue the Final Four berth that eluded them in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Juju Watkins shares message on social media after USC falls to UConn
