“Basketball Needs You” – What Paige Really Told JuJu After Injury (You’ll Love Their Bond!)

**March Madness Showdown Looms Without Its Biggest Star**

When NCAA tournament brackets were revealed, basketball fans immediately penciled in a dream Elite Eight rematch between USC and UConn – a chance to see JuJu Watkins and Paige Bueckers renew their thrilling rivalry. Last year’s epic 80-73 UConn victory sent the Huskies to the Final Four, while USC claimed regular-season bragging rights with a 72-70 December win.

But March Madness’ cruelest twist struck early in USC’s tournament run – Watkins suffered a season-ending injury during the Trojans’ dominant second-round victory over Mississippi State. The news hit especially hard for Bueckers, who knows all too well the agony of postseason injuries.

“It absolutely breaks your heart,” Bueckers said before UConn’s Sweet 16 game against Oklahoma. “Having been through that devastation myself, you just feel for her. The worst possible timing when you’re chasing a championship.”

As UConn prepares for its Saturday showdown with the Sooners, the basketball world mourns the lost opportunity for another chapter in this burgeoning rivalry. While USC remains dangerous without their superstar, the potential Elite Eight clash would have been missing its brightest star.

**Next:** Follow live updates as UConn faces Oklahoma in the Sweet 16, with tipoff at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN. The winner advances to potentially face a Watkins-less USC squad in what would still be a high-stakes Elite Eight matchup.