Kiki Iriafen’s game reminiscent of A’ja Wilson, claim college hoop analysts: “Literally had my jaw dropped to the floor"
Kiki Iriafen balled out in her first game as a Trojan. USC opened its season against Ole Miss Rebels in Paris at the 2024 Aflac Oui-Play on Monday. The game was also an international debut for USC’s new lineup. The Stanford transfer posted her first double-double of the season, recording 22 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
Additionally, JuJu Watkins posted a game high 27 points alongside 10 rebounds, and five blocks. So, when college hoop analyst Meghan McKeown discussed Iriafen’s overall fit within the Trojans’ system, she agreed with her fellow analyst's assessment of Iriafen's game having shades of WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson.
"I got to tell you there were times yesterday where I literally had my jaw dropped to the floor off of some things that Kiki Iriafen was able to do," McKeown said. "She's physical down low in the paint, she gets excellent positioning, her ability to tip the ball to herself, especially off offensive rebounds and she's just so strong going back up with it."
"You (Zora Stephenson) nailed it when you said her game reminded you of A'ja Wilson. I feel like you're batting at least 900. We're putting you in the Hall of Fame with your comparisons in general. But Kiki fit seamlessly into this system." (10:02)
Kiki Iriafen helped USC seal the season opener
As the final score indicates (68-66), it was not an easy win for the Trojans. Ole Miss put their best foot forward at the beginning of the game as the game saw plenty of lead changes till halftime. They crashed offensive glass constantly throughout the game, outrebounding USC and holding Kiki Iriafen and the team to just one made 3-pointer.
Iriafen saw 32 minutes of action at the Adidas Arena in Paris, making 7 of her 15 shots (46.6%). Her most impactful stretch came in the third quarter, right after JuJu Watkins helped USC match Ole Miss’ competitiveness near the half.
Kiki Iriafen scored six straight points late in the third quarter, allowing USC to begin the fourth with a solid momentum. All of this was needed as the two teams closely battled for the lead in the last stretch.
Tied at 66 with 10 seconds left on the clock, Kiki Iriafen attempted a put-back basket off a USC miss, sending her to the free-throw line. She made both the shots and the Trojans were successful in preventing Ole Miss from finding the rim for the next nine seconds.