Junior Kiki Iriafen has come into her own for the Stanford Cardinal this season. She is averaging 19.2 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season.
Big Game Against Iowa State
Irafen’si massive contribution to the Cardinal came in Stanford’s 87-81 overtime win over Iowa State Sunday night.
“I think if you want it that bad, nothing will faze you. I wanted it really badly so I didn’t let any fatigue get into my head,” Iriafen said. “It’s all very mental. I was like, just five more minutes, if I can give myself five more minutes and help my teammates out. It was probably just adrenaline taking over.”
Iriafen scored 41 points on 16-30 shooting from the field while also grabbing 16 rebounds.
“She’s a warrior out there,” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer said. “She gave an All-American performance out there tonight.”
Iriafen scored some key baskets down the stretch, scoring 11 points in overtime. She hit a go-ahead baseline jumper at 1:59 and scored again on Stanford’s next possession.
Improved Jumper
Iriafen worked all off-season to improve her game, which has been shown this season. Her hard work paid off as she took home the Pac-12 Most Improved Player Award and earned who earned Associated Press All-America honorable mention recognition.
“People know me for being a driver, so when people started taking that away and taking charges, I had to kind of buy into my jump shot a little bit,” Iriafen said in Sunday’s presser. “I think I love it a little bit too much now.”
The Improved jumper has helped Iriafen’s game go to the next level and played a key role in Stanford’s success this season.
If Stanford is to advance in the NCAA Tournament, Kiki Iriafen will be a big reason why. Stanford plays NC State on Friday in the Sweet 16.
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