The USC Trojans women’s basketball team is battling against the Ole Miss Rebels at the 2024 Aflac Oui-Play in Paris. While the game is in progress and looks to be leaning in favor of the Trojans, thanks to exceptional performances by JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, the commentators are still finding it difficult to grab Iriafen’s name, ruining her special moment.

During the game on Monday when Iriafen hit a layup, the commentator found it difficult to pronounce her name which was highlighted by the fans online. For the unversed, Iriafen has already hit 16 points in the game by the end of the third quarter with 9 rebounds. She scored from 7 out of 13 field goals. However, the AP preseason All-American’s name looked to be a tongue twister for the play-by-play commentator.

Into the fourth quarter, the Trojans are just a point ahead of the Rebels with a 58-57 margin. Thus, right now, the game can swing either way. However, no one can deny, irrespective of the result, that Iriafen and Watkins did a good job of handling pressure. Watkins scored 25 points with 5 blocks and 3 steals, Thus, she was equally effective in both offense and defense. Additionally, she hit 9 rebounds and 4 assists. As for Iriafen, as per the latest update, she has hit a double-double, which is a great way to start the NCAA season.

JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen’s chemistry is the best

The Trojans are currently ranked at the third spot in the AP women’s basketball rankings, which is the highest preseason ranking since 1984 for the Trojans. However, going by rankings, the Trojans should win the game, but if it starts on an upset, then the No.20 Rebels will set the tone for the season while also giving viewers an indication of what lies ahead in the NCAA.

Other than that, this game is also an indication of the chemistry between Watkins and Iriafen. Iriafen used to ply her trade for Stanford before transferring to the Trojans in what would be her final season. Therefore, if the Trojans win this game, then Lindsay Gottlieb would be happy that her bet has paid off. Previously, she was all praises for the two stars.

“I think JuJu and Kiki fit great together … a pick-and-roll threat, an inside-out threat. Kiki is also really versatile, where she’s stretching her game and playing on the perimeter, and she’s a good passer. That creates more space where maybe I can post JuJu up a little bit more, get her more in space,” Gottlieb stated.

Hopefully, Iriafen and Watkins will win this game and bring pride to their head coach. However, if they lose this, then it will be a distressing signal for the team. Meanwhile, the play-by-play announcers will make sure not to commit the same mistake again.