While it appeared JuJu Watkins sustained a few injuries during USC’s first-round NCAA Tournament game on Saturday, she wasn’t about to make a big deal out of it. When asked postgame, she playfully scratched her chin and said, “Hmmm. I don’t know. It’s the end of the season, body’s a little banged up, but onto the next. Nobody really cares.”
Watkins knows better than to show weakness. Whether it’s her future defensive assignments, media narratives, or even Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels watching from the stands, she’s aware all eyes are on her. And with the Trojans (29-3) advancing to the second round, she’ll have to be at her best. Up next? A Monday night battle against ninth-seeded Mississippi State (22-11) at the Galen Center for a spot in the Sweet 16 in Spokane.
The Bulldogs earned their Round of 32 matchup after a 59-46 win over No. 8 seed Cal. Mississippi State’s defense suffocated the Golden Bears, forcing 24 turnovers and holding them to 25% shooting. It wasn’t just an off night for Cal—the Bulldogs brought the pressure, making every possession a battle. Now, they’ll try to do the same against a loaded USC squad that can beat teams in multiple ways.
USC vs State Bulldogs starting lineup, who’s in and out?
USC Trojans Expected Starters:
Kiki Iriafen (#44)
Rayah Marshall (#13)
Kennedy Smith (#11)
JuJu Watkins (#12)
Talia von Oelhoffen (#55)
Mississippi State Bulldogs Expected Starters:
Madina Okot (#15)
Denim DeShields (#0)
Debreasha Powe (#21)
Jerkaila Jordan (#2)
Eniya Russell (#4)
Injuries? Sure, Watkins had a few moments in Round 1—grabbing her left hand in the first half, sporting a wrap around her fingers after halftime, and briefly leaving the game after tweaking her ankle. But any lingering concern was erased when she was laughing it up on the bench with Kayleigh Heckel as USC cruised to a dominant 71-25 win over UNC Greensboro. Watkins even joked through her postgame press conference, showing no signs of real concern.
USC’s Offensive Firepower Set to Test Mississippi State’s Stifling Defense
Mississippi State’s defense was the story in their win over Cal. They allowed just 46 points, tying a program record for fewest allowed in an NCAA Tournament game. But keeping USC under wraps will be an entirely different challenge.
USC scores 81.1 points per game, ranking 11th nationally. They allow just 58.8 per game, second-best in the Big Ten. There’s no glaring weakness. They’re 13th in rebounds per game, second in blocks per game, and have one of the best players in the country in Watkins.
Mississippi State coach Sam Purcell knows the narrative. “The story line here in Hollywood has already been written,” he said. “It’s USC going to face UConn in the Elite Eight. So, like any good movie, we need a plot twist. We need to mix it up.”
Jerkaila Jordan and Eniya Russell are key for Mississippi State’s offense. Jordan averages 15.9 points per game, while Russell adds 11.7 points and a team-high 3.4 assists. They’ll need a near-perfect game to keep up with USC’s firepower.
On the interior, Madina Okot will battle Rayah Marshall, who is the backbone of USC’s defense. Marshall had a career-high seven blocks in Round 1, and Kiki Iriafen summed up her importance: “There’s no us without Raya. I think she’s such an unsung hero for this team.”
Iriafen, a Stanford transfer, averages 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds, but she struggled early against UNC Greensboro. Her shots were rushed, and she committed four turnovers in the first half. Eventually, she found her rhythm, using hustle plays to get back on track. “I can play carefree when my teammates are clicking like they were on Saturday,” she said. That’s what makes USC dangerous—they don’t rely on just one player.
So, what’s the prediction? Mississippi State’s defense will make things interesting, but USC’s offensive depth and home-court advantage should carry them through. The Bulldogs will need to take care of the basketball and replicate their defensive effort from Round 1 to have a chance. But keeping up with USC’s offensive weapons will be a tall task.
USC’s offensive depth and home-court advantage should carry them to a 75-64 win over Mississippi State.
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