Three-Point Machine

"So why did you choose UConn as your opponent?" the reporter continued to ask.

UConn's current form was mediocre, and Bena's previous words seemed more like an attempt to save face. The reporter's question was loaded.

"We need opportunities like this to prove our team's strength, and at the same time, it's a chance to showcase the strength of the Pac-10 conference," Bena replied, his words airtight. He had clearly prepared thoroughly before the game.

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

"Of course. Although the opponent is strong, we are just as excellent. We have the best shooting guard, Klay Thompson," Bena said, his face full of pride when he mentioned Thompson.

"Yes, Klay is a great scorer, but as far as I know, Connecticut has a new player recently with exceptional defense. Players like Jimmy Butler and Dion Waiters have been completely shut down by him," the reporter reminded him.

"I know, Tang Tian. His defense is excellent, but we have prepared countermeasures. He won't be able to stop Klay from playing, and we also know he has a very obvious weakness," Bena sounded very confident.

"Are you referring to the fact that he hasn't fouled yet?" the reporter asked tentatively.

"See, you already know. It's not a secret," Bena said with a smile.

The reporter smiled knowingly.

The interview was short. As this segment ended, a long whistle blew from the sidelines, and the players from both teams gradually returned to mid-court.

The game was about to begin, accompanied by drums and cheers from the crowd, the decibel level easily twice that of UConn's home games.

Playing in such a high-pressure environment, most people's hearts would struggle to handle it.

The starting lineups for both teams were announced one after another.

For Washington State University, it was Thompson surrounded by his teammates like stars around the moon. For UConn, it was Walker leading the charge.

Tang Tian was not in the starting lineup; he remained on the bench. However, unlike before, he was now almost right next to the open space, indicating he was the player with the highest rotation priority on the team.

"Beep!"

With the referee's whistle, the ball was tossed into the air, and the game officially began!

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

"Defense! Defense!"

The DJ immediately started hyping up the crowd, and the deafening shouts made one's eardrums ache.

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

Zone defense is when players on the court do not guard a specific person but rather a specific area, each responsible for their defensive zone and collectively forming a half-court defense.

Depending on the defensive focus, zone defenses are divided into 2-3, 3-2, 2-2-1, 2-1-2, and so on.

Since NCAA does not have a defensive three-second rule, many teams use zone defenses in games.

The reason Washington State University has risen rapidly this season, besides Thompson's excellent offensive performance, is also due to their effective zone defense.

The 2-3 zone they employed at this moment emphasized interior defense.

The key to breaking a zone defense is the pick-and-roll. Walker gestured, and O'Riaqi quickly moved to the three-point line for a screen.

Walker drove to the high post using the pick-and-roll, but the help defender quickly rotated into position.

It was evident that Washington State University's zone defense was not static but full of flexibility.

However, Walker's ability was indeed among the top tier in the NCAA. He broke through the wall of defenders with a flick of his wrist, passing the ball to Lamb on the outside.

Lamb had an open three-point opportunity and chose to shoot immediately.

"Bang!"

The shot was a bit off, and the basketball bounced off the rim.

Lamb had a three-point shot, but it was clear his three-point shooting was unstable.

Washington State University secured the rebound. After the point guard brought the ball upcourt, they immediately called for a play.

Thompson began weaving through various screens, running off the ball.

Washington State University's interior players were not tall, but they were quick. After a few screens, UConn's defense clearly began to struggle to keep up.

Thompson circled to the right 45-degree angle, creating an opportunity. The guard passed the ball immediately.

Thompson received the ball and shot directly.

Knees bent, jump, straight arm, flick of the wrist.

Thompson's shot was incredibly smooth, a textbook example.

Moreover, his shooting speed was very fast, leaving UConn's help defense no time to react.

"Swish!"

The basketball went straight through the net.

Washington State University took the lead!

The crowd erupted in cheers instantly.

This was their beloved Klay Thompson, who would unleash a rain of three-pointers every night, making opponents' scalps tingle.

An airball on the first shot of the game indicated he had an excellent feel for the ball tonight.

Back on defense, Washington State University maintained their 2-3 zone, seemingly because Bena was convinced UConn's outside shooting was weak.

Walker's drive continued against the double-team after using O'Riaqi's screen. He passed to an open Smith, who took another three-pointer.

"Clank!"

Another miss.

UConn had missed two open threes in a row to start the game!

Cahoon's expression soured.

UConn's method for breaking the zone defense was sound, but the problem was missing open shots, something even the best coaches couldn't fix.

Washington State University grabbed the defensive rebound and brought the ball upcourt, running almost the exact same play.

UConn's help defense was in position, but O'Riaqi was still a step too slow. Thompson got an open look in the corner.

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

This opportunity wasn't as good as the last. Thompson caught the ball, and O'Riaqi scrambled to recover.

But Thompson was clearly more than just a spot-up shooter. After catching the ball, he faked a shot, drawing O'Riaqi into the air, took one dribble to the side, and then shot.

The ball spun through the air, tracing a perfect arc.

"Swish!"

Another crisp sound echoed through the arena.

Thompson's second three-point attempt, and it was good!

He had made two threes in a row to start the game!

His hot streak was on fire!

Thompson was also a bit excited after the shot, gesturing a three as he ran back on defense.

The crowd erupted again, louder than before.

A dunk could electrify the arena, and so could consecutive three-pointers!

UConn's offense. Walker used the screen again, but this time accelerated suddenly, blew past the defense, and pulled up for a jumper.

Washington State University's players scrambled to defend.

"Clank!"

The shot was too difficult, bouncing high off the back rim.

UConn's offense, another miss!

The crowd continued to cheer.

Washington State University grabbed the rebound and immediately pushed for a fast break. It was Thompson again. He received a pass from his teammate at the frontcourt and, facing Smith's defense, chose to take a deep, contested three-pointer!

Smith's defense was solid on this play, but Thompson had clearly found his confidence, taking a tough shot with a defender on him!

The ball sailed over Smith's defense, spinning through the air in a graceful arc.

"Swish!"

It was good again!

Thompson had made three threes in a row to start the game!

The arena completely exploded.

This guy was a three-point machine!