Kiki Iriafen Stats Last Night: How did USC star fare vs Fresno State? (Dec. 10)
Senior forward Kiki Iriafen led all players in scoring in Tuesday’s game against Fresno State. The No. 5 Trojans beat the Bulldogs 89-40.
The 6-foot-3 senior delivered an impressive all-around performance in 27 minutes, scoring 24 points, grabbing 12 rebounds (including eight offensive boards), dishing three assists, and making two steals. She shot 7-of-11 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line, overcoming four turnovers and two fouls.
This marked Iriafen's fifth double-double of the season and her fourth in a row. Over the last five games, she has averaged 20.8 points, totaling 104 points in wins against Seton Hall, Saint Louis, California Baptist, and Oregon.
"I think I'm a lot more comfortable in what our coaches are trying to have us do – what USC is all about," Iriafen said in a post-game presser.
"Rebounding is the easiest way for me to kind of get on the glass. It's kind of hard for me to make a move because I'm being doubled or triple-teamed, so I think just being an offensive rebounder, (and) defensive rebounder with Rayah (Marshall) as well, is the best way I can help my team right now and then just let the game come to me," Iriafen added.
In her first season with USC after three years at Stanford, Iriafen is excelling. In 10 games, she has averaged 18.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 52.8% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc.
Iriafen and star guard JuJu Watkins have developed an electric on-court connection, drawing comparisons to Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Many consider them the best duo in women’s college basketball.
USC Dominates Fresno State with Strong Defense and Efficiency
After a slow start and a key defensive adjustment, the No. 5 USC took command against Fresno State at the Galen Center.
The Trojans' press defense fueled a 40-12 first-half surge, holding the Bulldogs to just eight points in the second quarter, including a 4:51 scoring drought. USC’s defensive intensity continued in the third, limiting Fresno State to six points from two three-pointers.
The Trojans excelled at the free-throw line, converting 22 of 25 attempts. They also capitalized on 21 turnovers, scoring 33 points off those errors.
USC has three more games this December, facing Elon on December 15, UConn on December 21, and Michigan in their first Big Ten matchup on December 29.