“Our city has been on fire, and it’s been hard”: USC HC Lindsay Gottlieb and Kiki Iriafen extend support after LA tragedy

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen extended their support for those stricken by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Following the Trojans' tight 79-74 victory over the Maryland Terrapins on Jan. 8, the duo spared a thought for those affected by the tragedy while addressing the media.

Gottlieb started the press conference by showing support for the first responders and victims of the tragedy back home, mentioning how difficult it was for her to take in what was happening.

"First thing I just want to say, that we've been on the road for, whatever it is now, five days, and our city is on fire and it's been hard to be away and watch those scenes. So, just want to send our thoughts and prayers to the first responders, to those impacted.

"I have friends that have been displaced. I know their players probably do too. So, that's more important obviously than what we're doing." (0:13)

Kiki Iriafen backs up Lindsay Gottlieb's support for victims of the LA fire tragedy

When quizzed about how the players were keeping their focus, Iriafen extended her support to those in LA with a powerful message, emphasizing how important it was for USC to emerge victorious in Maryland.

"Coach kind of touched on it this morning, and life just goes on regardless of what's happening," said Iriafen. "Maryland's not going to play any different because of what we're dealing with at home.

"So, kind of just having that, and I think we're also playing with that in the back of our minds and understanding we want to come here and also make a statement, and not just come here for no reason. I think, for us, the main thing was just getting a dub and we did that." (4:44)

The massive wildfires in Los Angeles have left over 1.5 million homes without power and over 180,000 people have received evacuation orders per The Guardian. The fires have spread from The Palisades to the Hollywood Hills, with five people reportedly losing their lives because of the natural disaster.

No. 4 USC improved its record to 5-0 in the conference and 15-1 overall following its win over No. 8 Maryland. Iriafen and star sophomore JuJu Watkins led the Trojans from the front, finishing with 21 points each to power them to victory in Maryland.