JuJu Watkins was on the USC bench as the Trojans advanced to the Elite Eight with a 67-61 win over Kansas State on Saturday. Well, sort of. Watkins tore her ACL in the second round of the tournament and therefore she did not make the trip up the coast.

While heartbroken at the loss of star guard JuJu Watkins, Southern California’s players are determined to move forward in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

JuJu Watkins’ absence looms large in Spokane, where eight of the remaining 16 teams, including USC, are gathering this week for March Madness.

Yes, JuJu Watkins is out for the season and didn ... − a testament to the talent and star power of Watkins. FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA men's tournament bracket, scores, schedules, teams and ...

USC's women's basketball team is continuing on even without the incredible JuJu Watkins, who shockingly tore her ACL earlier in the women's March Madness NCAA tournament.

"JuJu and I talked a lot before I came to USC and kind of just feeling out this decision," Iriafen said. "The biggest thing that we both talked about is winning. We both wanted to

USC put up a fight. But ultimately, Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong — and the absence of JuJu Watkins — proved too much to overcome.

Madness lost one of its most transcendent heroes because of an injury. JuJu Watkins won't play again in this tournament, and that just stinks.