LOS ANGELES − There are few things more stressful than planning a Sweet 16.
Outside of getting the guest list right, there’s the menu, the venue and more. That just makes up the pre-planning phase of the process. However, even the best laid plans of mice and men can often go awry. Maybe the food isn’t delivered on time or, worse, the music stops.
For the USC Trojans and Mississippi State Bulldogs, they’ll hope to have a seat at the table if, and when, that happens.
Both teams claimed double-digit victories in the opening round of the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs cruised against the California Golden Bears, earning the right to continue their tour around the Golden State on Monday night in the City of Angels.
The task is tall though.
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA women’s basketball scores, schedules, teams and more.
JuJu Watkins leads her Trojans into battle after surviving a scare in the opening round. The star is nursing an ankle injury, but she won’t be deterred in the team’s quest for a championship.
At the end of the day, one team is going to be invited to the Sweet 16. Will it be the popular kids from USC or can Mississippi State crash the party? Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup between the Trojans and Bulldogs on Monday night.
Malia Samuels injury: Another USC player hurt
The Trojans got another injury scare in the second quarter when guard Malia Samuels took some hard contact on a layup attempt. She appeared to hit her shoulder and head on the court. Medical staff came to assists her and she appeared to say she was fine. She went back to the locker room and later returned to the game.
End of Q1: USC 28, Mississippi State 8
The Trojans jumped out to an 11-0 first quarter lead, dominating the opening minutes before some fans had even settled in their seats. USC was up 13-2 when star guard JuJu Watkins left the game with what appeard to be a severe knee injury. The Trojans then boosted the lead to 17-2, before the quarter ended with the score 28-8.
Juju Watkins knee injury: USC star goes down in first quarter
JuJu Watkins has been injured minutes into USC’s women’s March Madness game against Mississippi State that tipped off at 10 p.m. ET.
Watkins was on a fast break when she collided with a Mississippi State player. She immediately went down, grabbed her knee and was visibly in pain.
Medical staff came to assist and they carried her off the court. She did not put any weight on her knee.
USC vs. Mississippi State underway
The ball has tipped at the Galen Center and the Trojans are off to a hot start. USC’s Talia von Oelhoffen drilled the first bucket of the night to start a 9-0 run for USC three minutes into the contest.
Where to watch USC vs. Mississippi State: TV channel, time
- Game Day: Monday, March 24, 2025
- Game Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Galen Center in Los Angeles
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: Fubo – Watch Now!
Watch USC vs. Mississippi State on Fubo (free trial)
USC vs. Mississippi State odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Sunday, March 23.
- Spread: USC -17.5
- Moneyline Favorite: USC -3000
- Moneyline Underdog: Mississippi State +1200
- Total: 147.5
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