INDIANAPOLIS – In an exciting matchup, Kiki Iriafen led the charge for No. 2 Southern California, scoring 17 of her 25 points in the second half, as they defeated fifth-seeded Michigan 82-70 in the Big Ten tournament semifinals on Saturday. Her performance, along with JuJu Watkins’ contribution of 20 points and 11 rebounds, helped propel USC to the Big Ten championship game.
USC, holding a 28-2 record, now prepares to face No. 4 UCLA in the finals after UCLA’s convincing 75-46 win over No. 13 Ohio State. The Trojans are coming off a successful regular season in which they swept the two-game series against the Bruins.
Despite the victory, USC had to overcome some challenges. JuJu Watkins, the league’s player of the year, couldn’t find her rhythm, although Iriafen’s effort ensured USC maintained its winning streak, now at nine games. Iriafen impressively connected on 10 of her 19 shots, ensuring USC stayed in the hunt.
On the Michigan side, Syla Swords put up a valiant effort with 26 points, while Olivia Olson contributed 13 points and snagged nine rebounds. The Wolverines, who ended their season with a 22-10 record, played with intensity but ultimately couldn’t maintain their energy while facing one of the nation’s top teams, having played their third game in as many days.
At the half, Michigan led 31-29. However, Iriafen changed the game’s momentum with eight consecutive points late in the third quarter, giving USC a 50-48 lead. The Trojans then went on a 16-2 run in the fourth quarter to seal their victory.
Although USC emerged victorious, the game was not without its challenges. The Trojans displayed careless play at times, evidenced by turnovers and poor shooting, only gaining control in the latter stages of the game. Nonetheless, they managed to execute crucial plays when it counted.
One pivotal moment came when Watkins hit a midrange jumper, breaking a 60-60 deadlock with 6:14 remaining. Shortly after, Malia Samuels completed a three-point play, adding to USC’s momentum.
A significant statistic from the game was USC’s 17-12 advantage in second-chance points, a key factor in their triumph.
Looking ahead, Michigan will await their seeding and opponent announcement for the NCAA Tournament next week as they hope to make a splash.
In all, while USC overcame adversity to reach the conference championship game, Michigan showcased their mettle against a top-tier opponent, setting the stage for an exciting NCAA Tournament for both teams.
