Once again, the Stanford Cardinal found themselves in a tough spot in the NCAA Tournament, facing a fourth-quarter deficit on their home court in the second round. The possibility of a shocking upset loomed large.
With the Pac-12 player of the year Cameron Brink dealing with foul trouble against No. 7 Iowa State, the No. 2 Cardinal relied on Kiki Iriafen to lead them to victory. After a disappointing performance in the previous year’s tournament, Iriafen stepped up in a big way, scoring 41 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Stanford emerged with an 87-81 overtime win, securing a spot in the Sweet 16.
SWEET SIXTEEN BOUND#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/xw0AyZQYor
— Stanford WBB 🤓🏀 (@StanfordWBB) March 25, 2024
Iriafen showcased her versatility throughout the game, scoring in various ways and making significant defensive contributions. The intense contest saw both teams battling neck and neck, with pivotal plays in the final moments. Stanford ultimately sealed the win with a clutch 3-pointer from Brooke Demetre.
The game featured outstanding performances from both teams, with Iowa State initially taking the lead before Stanford rallied back. Emily Ryan’s stellar play for the Cyclones was countered by Stanford’s defensive efforts and offensive prowess, particularly from Iriafen and Hannah Jump.
Despite the high-stakes nature of the match, Stanford managed to secure the win thanks to a collective team effort and Iriafen’s exceptional performance. Coach Tara VanDerveer’s strategic decisions and the players’ resilience were key factors in the hard-fought victory.
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(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)