The Big Lead

USC women's basketball team hilariously gets 'JuJu Watkins' on bench for Sweet 16

JuJu Watkins is away from the USC women's basketball team after suffering a season-ending torn ACL, but her teammates found a way to get her on the bench for the Sweet 16.

By Josh Sanchez

USC Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen is introduced during a Sweet 16 game against the Kansas State Wildcats.
USC Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen is introduced during a Sweet 16 game against the Kansas State Wildcats. / James Snook-Imagn Images
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The USC women's basketball team is making sure that JuJu Watkins' presence is felt for their Sweet 16 showdown against the No. 5 seed Kansas State Wildcats as March Madness continues.

Watkins is out of action after suffering a season-ending torn ACL in the team's second-round game against Mississippi State and was not with her team on Saturday night.

While she couldn't be in attendance, her teammates did the best they could and brought "JuJu" to the bench by hilariously bringing along one of her Funko Pop! figurines.

MORE: USC women's basketball team shows love to JuJu Watkins before Sweet 16

Funko Pop! JuJu was spotted by the ESPN cameras during the game's broadcast.

Incredible.

MORE: USC basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb shares emotional statement on JuJu Watkins

To add to the hilarity of the moment, the announcer said, "The head may bob, but the bun stays in place." It doesn't get much more perfect than that.

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins during pregame warmups before a game against Mississippi State in March Madness.
USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins during pregame warmups before a game against Mississippi State in March Madness. / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Hopefully the Trojans can channel the spirit of Funko Pop! JuJu in the second half and find the spark the team needs to come from behind after entering the break trailing Kansas State, 30-28.

The winner of USC vs. Kansas State will advance to face Paige Bueckers and the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies in the Elite 8 on Monday, March 31. TIp-off at Spokane Arena in Washington is set for 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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