“Ice in her veins”: USC fans celebrate as Kiki Iriafen steals the show with double-double debut in close win

Kiki Iriafen made an instant impact on her USC debut, as the Trojans won their season opener against the Ole Miss Rebels with a narrow 68-66 scoreline. The Stanford transfer lit up the Adidas Arena in Paris with her performance, finishing with a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds in 32 minutes of game time.

She also finished with impressive shooting percentages, going 7-for-15 (46.7%) in the paint and 8-of-11 (72.7%) from the free throw line.

Iriafen's impressive debut left Trojans fans awestruck, who took to social media to appreciate a powerful addition to their women's basketball program this season. Some fans lauded her talent and mentality, believing she could make a massive impact in Southern California this year.

"Kiki Iriafen has ice in her veins lets go trojans," said one fan.

"Top 5 player in the country," said another fan.

Another fan added, "she was ballin."

Others were buzzing with the possibility of Iriafen forming a solid partnership with USC's superstar guard JuJu Watkins, who finished as the Trojans' top scorer against the Rebels today.

"JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen were incredible," said one fan.

Another fan exclaimed, "JuJu and Kiki were unstoppable tonight! USC is looking dangerous!"

"JuJu and Kiki are doing it right," said another fan.

Kiki Iriafen and JuJu Watkins power USC Trojans to victory in season opener

Like Iriafen, Watkins also opened her sophomore season with an impressive double-double, finishing the game against the Rebels with 27 points, 10 rebounds four assists, five blocks and three steals.

Watkins and Iriafen combined for 49 of the Trojans' 68 points against the Rebels, as their teammates struggled to get any sort of rhythm going.

JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen took over for the USC Trojans in their season opener against the USC Trojans.

Kennedy Smith, the sixth overall prospect in the Class of 2024 per espnW and Trojans' top recruit, was the only player apart from Watkins and Iriafen to score in double-digits against the Rebels.

She finished her maiden game in college basketball with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block, as the Trojans held on for a tight victory against the Rebels.

The Trojans will look to iron out their flaws within the next five days, as they return to Los Angeles to take on the Cal Poly Mustangs on November 9 in the second game of the season.