Kiki Iriafen Sinks Free Throws to Secure USC's Victory
- Kiki Iriafen scored 22 points and hit two crucial free throws in the final seconds.
- JuJu Watkins led USC with 27 points in a closely contested game.
- USC's victory marks a strong start to their season, setting them up for their next game against Cal Poly.
On November 4, 2024, in Paris, Kiki Iriafen's late free throws clinched a narrow win for Southern California over Ole Miss in a thrilling season opener. With the game tied at 66-66 and just 10 seconds remaining, Iriafen, who scored 22 points, converted two crucial free throws. Her teammate JuJu Watkins led all scorers with 27 points, contributing to USC's overall scoring efforts. The Trojans faced challenges, especially with turnovers and defensive lapses, allowing Ole Miss to stay competitive. Ole Miss, ranked No. 20, initially led the game in the first quarter and managed to fight back from an 11-point deficit by outscoring USC in the second half. K.K. Deans played a pivotal role for the Rebels, scoring 19 points and hitting four 3-pointers before fouling out in the waning moments. Her departure shifted the momentum in favor of USC, as they capitalized on the situation during the final seconds of play. The game took place at the Adidas Arena in Paris, drawing a near-capacity crowd of about 4,000 spectators. Despite struggling with 3-point accuracy, USC ultimately emerged victorious. The result sets a promising tone for the Trojans' season as they prepare to face Cal Poly in their next game. Overall, this match highlighted both the resilience of USC and the fight of Ole Miss, illustrating the competitive nature of college basketball in the early season.