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Rayah Marshall, after four memorable years, is following Iriafen, while Talia von Oelhoffen, their starting point guard, and Clarice Akunwafo, their defensive stalwart off the bench, exhausted their eligibility.

Clarice Akunwafo blocked a jumper by Elina Aarnisalo, triggering a fast break that ended with Kennedy Smith zipping a pass from under the basket to Avery Howell, who rose for a three-pointer that increased her team’s lead to 45-35.

Among the lowlights were Watkins losing her handle on the ball while dribbling in the paint and traveling violations by Iriafen and Clarice Akunwafo.

Clarice Kacindi lost her three-year-old child while crossing the Rusizi 10 days ago.

On the other hand, it feels like USC is going in the opposite direction, heralded transfer Kiki Iriafen finally feeling comfortable as Watkins’ sidekick, Rayah Marshall and Clarice Akunwafo dominating inside, and Talia von Oelhoffen running the show.