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USC and South Carolina Meet After Key Injuries

PUBLISHED Mar 21, 2026, 2:35 PM ET

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Columbia, S.C. — Top-seeded South Carolina faces ninth-seeded USC in the women's NCAA Tournament on Monday after both teams advanced past opening-round games; USC won an overtime first-round game against Clemson on Saturday, and JuJu Watkins, sidelined since a March ACL tear, watched practice March 20. Both programs are pursuing Sweet 16 berths in Sacramento and have adapted rotations after losing All-Americans Chloe Kitts and JuJu Watkins; coaches cited depth and role changes, Watkins marked her rehabilitation with community events and a Nike shoe display, and the regional matchup is scheduled for March 23.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

October 2022 — JuJu Watkins took an official visit to South Carolina.
15 November 2022 — Watkins committed to Southern California (USC).
March (previous year) — Watkins tore her ACL in an NCAA second-round game.
February (current year) — Watkins' signature shoe displayed at a local Nike store; community event held.
20–23 March (current year) — Watkins attended USC practice March 20; USC beat Clemson March 21; USC and South Carolina scheduled to meet March 23.

News Intelligence

This game is a testament to resilience. Both teams have faced adversity with key injuries but have adapted and continue to compete at a high level. If you're a fan of women's college basketball, this matchup is one to watch. Check the NCAA schedule and tune in.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6

Who Benefited

USC's bench players and coaching staff gained playing time and visibility as injured All-Americans rehab, while local retailers and Nike benefited from promotional attention tied to JuJu Watkins' signature shoe display in her community.

Who Impacted

JuJu Watkins suffered a season sidelined after tearing her ACL last March, and both programs lost All-American production early in the season, forcing roster adjustments and altered rotations.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Who Impacted

JuJu Watkins suffered a season sidelined after tearing her ACL last March, and both programs lost All-American production early in the season, forcing roster adjustments and altered rotations.