Three-Point Machine

"Then why did you choose UConn as your opponent?" the reporter continued.

UConn had been in ordinary form lately, and Bena's earlier remarks sounded more like an attempt to save face. There was clearly a hidden meaning behind the reporter's question.

"We need an opportunity like this. We need to prove our team's strength, and at the same time, this is also an opportunity to showcase the strength of the Pac-10." Bena's answer was airtight. He had clearly done plenty of preparation before the game.

"Do you think the team has a good chance of winning tonight?" the reporter asked.

"Of course. Although our opponent is strong, we are just as outstanding. We have the best Shooting Guard, Klay Thompson." Bena's face was full of pride when he mentioned Thompson.

"Yes, Klay is a great scorer, but as far as I know, Connecticut recently produced a rookie with exceptionally good defense. Players like Jimmy Butler and Dion Waiters were completely shut down by him," the reporter reminded him.

"I know. Tang Tian, his defense is excellent, but we have already prepared a response. He won't be able to stop Klay from performing, and we also know he has an obvious weakness." Bena appeared very confident.

"You mean he hasn't scored a point yet?" the reporter asked tentatively.

"You see, even you know. It's no secret." Bena smiled.

The reporter smiled knowingly.

The interview was brief. By the time it ended, a long whistle sounded from the court, and the players from both teams gradually returned to their respective halves.

The game was about to begin. Drums and cheers erupted throughout the arena, and the decibel level was a full two times louder than at UConn's home court.

Playing in this kind of high-pressure environment, an ordinary person's heart really might not be able to take it.

The starters for both teams took the court one after another.

For Washington State University, everything revolved around Thompson. For UConn, Walker stood alone in the spotlight.

Tang Tian did not start. He was still sitting on the bench, but unlike before, he was now almost next in line, the player highest in the team's rotation.

"Tweet!"

As the referee blew the whistle, the ball was tossed into the air, and the game officially began!

O'Riaqi won the tip-off, giving UConn the chance for the first offense.

"Defense! Defense!"

Right from the start, the DJ got the crowd chanting. The enormous roar made people's eardrums ache.

Walker brought the ball up, and Washington State University immediately set up a 2-3 zone defense.

In a zone defense, players did not defend specific opponents on the court. Instead, they defended designated areas, each responsible for his own zone before combining to form a half-court defense.

Depending on the defensive emphasis, zone defenses could be divided into 2-3, 3-2, 2-2-1, 2-1-2, and so on.

Because the NCAA had no defensive three-second rule, many teams used zone defenses during games.

Washington State University had risen so quickly this season not only because of Thompson's outstanding performance on the offensive end, but also because its zone defense was exceptionally good.

The 2-3 zone they had set up now emphasized interior defense.

The key to breaking a zone was the pick-and-roll. Walker waved his hand, and O'Riaqi quickly came up to the three-point line to set a screen.

Walker used the screen to drive into the high post, but the help defender quickly got into position.

It was clear that Washington State University's zone was not rigid, but full of flexibility.

However, Walker's ability was indeed among the very best in the NCAA. He whipped a pass through the wall of defenders to Lamb on the perimeter.

Lamb had an Open Three-Pointer, and he chose to shoot immediately.

"Bang!"

The shot was slightly off, and the basketball bounced off the rim.

Lamb could shoot threes, but obviously, his three-point shooting was not stable.

Washington State University secured the rebound. After the guard used a Dribble Push into the frontcourt, he immediately called for a Tactical run.

Thompson began running off the ball around all kinds of screens.

Washington State University's big men were not tall, but their Movement speed was fast enough. After a few screens, UConn's defense was clearly struggling to keep up.

Thompson came free at the right-wing forty-five-degree angle, and the guard passed to him immediately.

Thompson caught the ball and shot right away.

Bend the knees, rise up, extend the arm, snap the wrist.

Thompson's shooting motion was incredibly smooth, like something straight from a textbook.

His Release speed was also extremely fast, leaving UConn's help defense with no time to react.

"Swish!"

The basketball went straight through the net without touching the rim.

Washington State University struck first!

Cheers instantly erupted throughout the arena.

This was the Klay Thompson they adored. Every night, he would unleash a barrage of three-pointers and make his opponents' scalps tingle with fear.

His first shot of the game had been a clean swish. It seemed his touch was excellent tonight.

Back on the defensive end, Washington State University continued using its 2-3 zone. It seemed Bena had correctly identified UConn's poor Outside three-pointer shooting.

Walker's drive off O'Riaqi's screen was met with help defense again. He kicked the ball out to the open Smith, who caught it and attempted another three.

"Bang!"

Another miss.

UConn had missed two consecutive Open Three-Pointers to start the game!

Cahoon's expression turned a little ugly at this point.

There was nothing wrong with UConn's method for breaking the zone, but the problem was that they could not make open shots. Even the best coach in the world could do nothing about that.

Washington State University grabbed another Defensive Rebound and ran nearly the exact same play at the other end.

UConn's help defense had rotated into place well, but O'Riaqi was still a little slow laterally, allowing Thompson to find an opening in the corner.

Washington State University's attention was all focused on Thompson, and the guard passed to him immediately.

This opportunity was not as good as the last one. Thompson caught the ball, and O'Riaqi desperately got into position for the Help Defense.

However, Thompson was clearly more than just a spot-up shooter. After catching the ball, he gave a shot fake, Faked Out O'Riaqi, then took a One-step Dribble to the side before shooting.

The ball spun through the air in a clean arc.

"Swish!"

Another crisp sound echoed through the arena.

Thompson's second Three-point shot went in as well!

He had made two consecutive three-pointers to start the game!

His shooting touch was scorching hot!

Thompson was a little excited after making the shot. As he retreated on defense, he raised his hand in a three-point gesture.

The cheers erupted again, even more thunderously than before.

Dunks could ignite an arena, but consecutive three-pointers could do the same!

UConn's possession. This time, Walker suddenly accelerated after using the screen, squeezed past the defender, then pulled up for a jumper.

Washington State University's players lunged desperately to contest it.

"Bang!"

The shot was too difficult. It struck the back rim and bounced high into the air.

UConn's offense still could not score!

The cheers continued without pause.

After grabbing the rebound, Washington State University immediately launched a Defensive Counterattack. Thompson again received a pass from his teammate in the frontcourt and chose to fire a Chasing Three-Pointer straight over Smith's defense!

Smith's defense was completely in place. Thompson had clearly shot himself into confidence, forcing up a Strong shot over the defender!

The ball flew over Smith's defense, tracing a spinning arc through the air.

"Swish!"

It went in again!

Thompson had made three consecutive three-pointers to start the game!

The arena completely exploded.

He was a Three-Point Machine!