SPOKANE, Wash. — USC wore matching JuJu Watkins shirts to Spokane Arena Saturday for the Trojans’ Sweet 16 date with Kansas State.
Watkins, who tore her ACL earlier this week, couldn’t make the trip.
But there was an overwhelming sentiment heading into the game that the Trojans, despite losing their best player, were going to win for Watkins. And her presence was felt.
Fans held up signs with her face on it. Another read, “We got you JuJu.”
It wasn’t easy. The Trojans had only a three-point lead entering the fourth quarter and Kansas State was relentless.
But USC ultimately survived 67-61 and punched its ticket to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
Kennedy Smith had 19 points and Avery Howell added 18 points.
USC went without a field goal for the final 4:35, but it didn’t matter. The Trojans made eight free throws to maintain their lead.
The Trojans live to play another day. They’re set to play second-seeded Connecticut Monday for a chance at Final Four berth.
