Iriafen and Watkins lead Trojans to semifinal win over Michigan, set up showdown with rival Bruins for title

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USC forward Kiki Iriafen, center, pulls up for a jump shot as Michigan’s Greta Kampschroeder defends during the first half of Saturday’s Big Ten tournament semifinal in Indianapolis. Michael Conroy / ap

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The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Kiki Iriafen scored 17 of her 25 points in the second half, JuJu Watkins added 20 points and each pulled down 11 rebounds Saturday to send No. 2-seeded USC past No. 5 Michigan 82-70 and into the Big Ten championship game.

The Trojans (28-2) will face No. 4 UCLA today. USC won the Big Ten regular-season title by sweeping the two-game series against the rival Bruins.

USC won its ninth straight despite Watkins, the Big Ten player of the year, having an off night.

The Trojans were sloppy. They struggled with taking care of the ball, shot poorly and didn’t take control until late. Still, though, they managed to do just enough.

The Trojans trailed 31-29 at halftime but turned the game when Iriafen, who made 10 of 19 shots, scored eight straight points late in the third quarter to give USC a 50-48 lead.

USC closed it out with a 16-2 run midway through the fourth. Watkins made a midrange leaner with 6:14 to play broke a 60-60 tie. Malia Samuels then completed a three-point play.

Syla Swords finished with 26 points and Olivia Olson added 13 points and nine rebounds to lead the Wolverines (22-10).

The Wolverines came into the semis with three straight wins and played even better than advertised against one of the nation’s top teams. But they ran out of gas, playing their third game in three days.