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JuJu Watkins carried off court after apparent knee injury (2:42)

USC star JuJu Watkins clutches at her knee after going down in pain before being helped off the court. (2:42)

LOS ANGELES — USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the court just five minutes into the Trojans’ second-round women’s NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State on Monday night because of an apparent right knee injury.

The team, in a statement at halftime, announced that Watkins was being evaluated by USC Keck Medicine staff and would not return to the game.

As Watkins drove to the basket on a fast break between two defenders, she was fouled and her right knee buckled as she planted her right leg, causing her to collapse to the floor. Watkins immediately grabbed her right knee and stayed down for over a minute.

The crowd at Galen Center collectively held its breath as trainers eventually had to lift up Watkins and carry her into the locker room. She was 0-of-2 shooting, with three free throws, one rebound and two assists before exiting. The Trojans led 28-8 after the first quarter.

Watkins, an Associated Press All-American selection and a contender for national player of the year, is averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists this season and has been the driving force behind USC’s 29-3 campaign.

The Trojans earned the fourth No. 1 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament.

USC beat UNC Greensboro 71-25 in the first round. During that game, Watkins hurt her left hand after the ball jammed her fingers. She later came up limping on her left leg and winced.

“It’s the end of the season, body is a little banged up,” she said afterward. “On to the next. Nobody cares. I’m all good.”

USC reached the Elite Eight in Watkins’ first season a year ago, losing to Paige Bueckers and UConn. The teams could meet again in a regional final in Spokane, Washington, this year.

Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.