Juju Watkins addressed injuries concerns following USC's first game of madness in March.
The Los Angeles-born star is no to open the NCAA tournament on Saturday. Apparently he had multiple injuries during the 16 USC 71-25 victory.
At one point in the second quarter, Watkins fell to his left wrist, later rolling his ankle third and limped.
The series of injuries raised concerns, but she brushed them off.
“I know it's the end of the season. My body was slapped a bit, but like this,” Watkins added of her status, “I'm fine. Don't worry.”
Watkins wrapped her ankles and a beard, but eventually returned to the floor and hit a three-pointer with the same possession, making her seemingly hurt herself.
Foot during the third quarter of the NCAA Tournament Game
On March 22nd, against UNC Greensboro Spartan at Gallen Centre. Robert Hanashiro-imagn Image
UNC Greensboro left her wide open in the corner.
Watkins then left the game and immediately stepped into the locker room.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb worked on the decision to keep Watkins in the game despite injuries.
“I trust her, I listen to her. I trust our trainer and say, 'Are you okay?” Gottlieb said. “When she says it's good, I'm probably not going to close her down.”
Watkins finished the game in 28 minutes, tied her second-lowest of the season, with her recording 22 points, eight rebounds and three steals in a blowout victory.
USC and Watkins will face Mississippi's 9th state on Monday evening at 10pm.
Mississippi defeated California 59-46 on Saturday.
