Kiki Iriafen Stats Tonight: How did USC star fare vs Michigan? (Dec 29)
Despite a challenging outing, USC star Kiki Iriafen played a crucial role in securing the Trojans' 78-58 victory over No. 23 Michigan on Sunday at Galen Center.
Heading into the game, Iriafen was averaging 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while shooting 52.5% from the field, 30% from three, and 80.6% from the free-throw line.
She matched those stats closely in the matchup, finishing with 18 points, nine rebounds and a block. However, her performance was marred by five fouls and five turnovers, limiting her to just 21 minutes on the court.
After sitting on the bench for an extended period with four fouls, Iriafen returned in the fourth quarter and made an immediate impact. She scored USC’s first eight points of the quarter, extending their lead to 18, and anchored the defense in the low post. She tallied 12 of her 18 points during a dominant final period before fouling out with under two minutes remaining.
Iriafen and teammate JuJu Watkins combined for USC’s first 16 points in the fourth, leading the Trojans to a commanding 21-9 run to close out the game. Watkins contributed 31 points, 13-of-14 free throws, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks.
Iriafen continues to be a rising star for the 12-1 Trojans, scoring at least 12 points in every game this season and recording seven or more rebounds in 12-of-13 contests. Her consistent contributions remain vital to USC’s success.
Kiki Iriafen projected as No. 2 pick in 2025 WNBA draft
After a stellar junior season at Stanford, Iriafen decided to return home to Los Angeles for her final collegiate year.
The 6-foot-3 forward, already recognized as an elite WNBA prospect, transferred to USC as a graduate student. Her move was motivated by a combination of factors: the opportunity to play alongside sophomore star JuJu Watkins, the retirement of Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer and the chance to conclude her college career near home.
Iriafen’s accolades include the 2024 Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s top power forward, WBCA All-America Honorable Mention, Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention, and Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year, among others. Widely regarded as the best frontcourt player in her class, she has quickly become a cornerstone for the Trojans.
Her outstanding skillset and achievements have solidified her position as the projected No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. The pick, held by the Los Angeles Sparks, could reunite Iriafen with her former Stanford teammate Cameron Brink, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 draft but missed much of the season due to a knee injury.
Alongside Rickea Jackson, a 2024 All-Rookie Team member, Iriafen could form a formidable young post trio for the Sparks, setting the stage for a bright future in the WNBA.