The Women of Troy won their fifth straight game in their 89-40 victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs. USC handled the pace, scoring 23 fast-break points and 42 points in the paint. Their defense would hold the Bulldogs to 20 points in the first half.
“That’s what we’re looking at in terms of our progression of being able to guard different types of things,” said Women of Troy basketball head coach Lindey Gottlieb. “I liked the intensity, I liked the intent.”
Grad student forward Kiki Iriafen secured a double-double while leading all scorers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Iriafen, who transferred from Stanford, is showing signs that she has settled into the gameplay of USC.
“I am a lot more comfortable in what our coaches are trying to have us do, what USC is all about,” Iriafen said. “For me, rebounding is the easiest way for me to get on the glass.”
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Senior forward Rayah Marshall led the boards with 13 rebounds and secured four blocks. Gottlieb noted how Marshall beats the team in assist-to-turnover ratio. She has not made over three turnovers in a single game this season.
“She has been elite defensively … it’s so much more than just the shot-blocking, which is significant,” Gottlieb said. “She’s really anchoring, she’s talking, she’s understanding … [Marshall has] become a secondary playmaker and really embraced that role.”
The Women of Troy combined for 18 offensive rebounds that led to 10 second-chance points.
“I think being an offensive rebounder, defensive rebounder with [Marshall] as well is the best way to help my team right now,” Iriafen said.
Sophomore guard JuJu Watkins scored 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the matchup. Her efforts contributed to the team making 21 assists.
“We know the strength of the individual players we have and if you can go get an early bucket and there’s not a ton of ball movement, I’m not going to give that back,” Gottlieb said. “If it’s not easy and early, then we can be really good with that ball moving side to side, whether it’s a set play or it’s just in flow.”
Throughout this season, freshman guard Avery Howell has been finding her stride from beyond the arc. After going 3-5 from deep, Howell finished the game with nine points and two rebounds.
“As every game goes on and we’re getting a feel for each other, it’s just like being ready whenever that ball flies out.” Howell said. “I think our team is doing a really good job, as we keep progressing and getting better, of finding that extra pass.”
