Kiki Iriafen drops 2-word reaction for USC teammate’s dominant block
As JuJu Watkins led the USC Trojans with 21 points against Oregon Ducks, Kiki Iriafen's impact came on the defensive end of the floor. The Stanford transfer posted 17 points and 12 rebounds on 50% shooting. However, for Iriafen, the highlight of the game came with senior Clarice Akunwafo's chase-down block.
Near the end of the third quarter, Oregon's Ari Long attempted an open layup after grabbing an outlet on transition. However, Akunwafo, realizing the play early, measured the court for a timely block. Iriafen reposted Akunwafo's play on her Instagram story, with a two-worded reaction.
"Big Mama!!," Iriafen wrote.
Akunwafo played the second-lowest 13 minutes against the Ducks, lodging four rebounds and two blocks. The 6-foot-6 center is USC's defensive anchor, altering the opposition's shots with her presence near the basketball.
Even though she is experiencing just a little over 12 minutes per game this season (career high), Akunwafo's continued participation has been monumental in lifting USC's standard as an NCAA contender.
Kiki Iriafen also reposted her highlights from the Ducks game, uploaded by USC women's basketball's Instagram handle.
Despite USC's win, the Oregon game highlights the issues in Kiki Iriafen and Co.
USC expected heightened competition heading into the game as it was their first conference game of the season. However, Oregon won the battle of the quarters. Had it not been a 28-6 second-quarter run by the Trojans, it would have been hard for USC to stay composed throughout the second half as the Ducks outscored them in the remaining three quarters.
JuJu Watkins posted a game-high 21 points. However, she failed to steadily impact the offense as 15 of her points came in the second quarter. Watkins shot just 22.2% (2 of 9) in the remaining three quarters.
Oregon played catchup for the majority of the game behind their struggling offense. However, the Ducks were locked in on the defense as they forced 14 steals and 22 turnovers out of the Trojans.
These details can be the deciding factor for USC against ranked teams like UConn Huskies, Michigan and Nebraska - teams that Kiki Iriafen and Co will face in a back-to-back setting later this month.