Ailing Ashlyn Watkins drops 2-word message for MiLaysia Fulwiley after impressive bucket in transition

A season-ending knee injury isn't preventing Ashlyn Watkins from showing support to her South Carolina teammates. On Sunday, she reacted to a post featuring MiLaysia Fulwiley from the Instagram page MarchMadnessWBB by placing a two-word message in the comment section.

The clip showed one of Fulwiley's highlight plays against the No. 5 Texas Longhorns during the first quarter. The Gamecocks had a fastbreak opportunity after Chloe Kitts secured the rebound. She dribbled the ball to the halfcourt line before passing the rock to Fulwiley to his right.

MiLaysia Fulwiley ran to the basket and executed a brilliant up-and-under move to elude the Texas defender and give South Carolina a 16-7 advantage. That fancy finish warranted a reply from Watkins, who gave her pal a shout-out after the game.

"Hy Lay!!!" Watkins wrote.

Injured South Carolina star Ashlyn Watkins commented on an Instagram post featuring a highlight play from teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley against Texas. Source: Instagram/@marchmadnesswbb

Fulwiley finished the game with eight points, four rebounds and three steals to help No. 2 South Carolina record its 11th straight win. Three players scored in double figures for the Gamecocks, who improved their overall record to 16-1. Te-Hina Paopao and Chloe Kitts each scored 11 points, while Joyce Edwards added 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting.

Ashlyn Watkins suffers knee injury in South Carolina's win vs. Mississippi State

Ashlyn Watkins missed that game against Texas after she tore the ACL in her left knee in South Carolina's win over Mississippi State. She has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after picking up the non-contact injury during the second quarter of the game against the Bulldogs.

TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith (#10) has her shot blocked by South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (#2) during the second half of their NCAA basketball game at Dickies Arena. Photo: Imagn

Losing Watkins is a huge blow for South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, as she has been a vital cog for the Gamecocks on the defensive end. She is the team leader in blocks, averaging 1.9 through 14 games. Watkins also averaged 1.3 steals per game this season, fourth-best among South Carolina players.

Watkins, who averaged 7.2 points and 6.1 rebounds before the ACL injury cut short her junior year, had two double-doubles this season. She scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in South Carolina's win over Clemson on Nov. 20. Watkins replicated that feat against Missouri on Jan. 2, recording 11 points and 11 boards.