On Saturday, a thrilling basketball showdown took place in Indianapolis, where the No. 2 Southern California (USC) women’s basketball team faced the No. 5 Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten semifinal. It was a nail-biting match that ended with USC securing an 82-70 victory, thanks largely to an outstanding performance from Kiki Iriafen.
Strong Start and Tough Competition
The game started off as a close contest, with both teams fighting hard to take the lead. Michigan, led by star player Syla Swords, showed determination and grit. Swords kept her team in the game, scoring an impressive 26 points. But USC had its own stars, and the energy in the arena was electric!
Kiki Iriafen Shines Bright
Kiki Iriafen was the standout performer for USC, scoring a total of 25 points, with 17 of those points coming in the critical second half. Iriafen’s ability to score at key moments helped USC take control of the game when it mattered most. It was during the third quarter that Iriafen dazzled the crowd, scoring eight consecutive points, which shifted the momentum in favor of USC.
The Game Changes at Halftime
After a closely contested first half, the scores were 31-29 in favor of Michigan as the teams headed to the locker rooms. But USC was not about to give up. With adjustments made and determination in their hearts, they returned ready to turn the tables. The second half saw them outscoring Michigan with relentless energy and teamwork.
USC’s Second Half Surge
As the second half progressed, it became clear that USC was getting stronger. They quickly found their rhythm, eventually closing the game with an impressive 16-2 run. This strong finish was highlighted by JuJu Watkins, who added a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. The dynamic duo of Iriafen and Watkins was simply too much for Michigan to handle.
Michigan Fights Hard
Michigan fought valiantly throughout the game, showing great teamwork and skill. Alongside Swords, Olivia Olson contributed 13 points and nearly had a double-double with 9 rebounds. Though they led at halftime, Michigan could not maintain their lead against the powerful offensive display from USC.
Looking Ahead: Championship Game Awaits
With this victory, USC moves on to the Big Ten championship game, where they will face No. 4 UCLA. Fans are excited to see if Iriafen and her teammates can carry this momentum into their next matchup. The game promises to be another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for the championship title.
Excitement Builds for USC Fans
For USC supporters, this win is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication throughout the season. Kiki Iriafen’s remarkable performance not only led her team to victory but also captured the hearts of basketball fans everywhere. As the championship approaches, everyone is eager to see what this talented team will accomplish next!
