"Refrigerator" (Part 1)

9-0!

Cahoon immediately called a timeout.

The crowd erupted in cheers. In less than three minutes, Thompson's three three-pointers had forced UConn to call a timeout!

"Klay! Klay!"

As Thompson left the court, he was met with hero-like cheers from the fans.

Thompson was already used to it. After waving to the audience, he returned to the bench to listen to the coach's tactical instructions.

"Tang, get ready to go in and shut him down!" Cahoon was a bit flustered now, his voice clearly laced with anger.

Furthermore, singling out Tang Tian for this instruction carried a deeper meaning, as Tang Tian had strongly advocated for playing in this invitational match.

"Understood." Tang Tian didn't overthink it; he actually liked the idea of playing at this point.

"Klay Thompson's three-point shooting is simply unstoppable. I think in recent years, only Stephen Curry from Davidson College back then could compare," the commentator gushed about Thompson, given the scale of the game and the presence of commentators.

"Yes, it's rare to find such a high-quality three-point shooter. And he's clearly more than just a catch-and-shoot player; he reads the defense to create opportunities," the guest commentator agreed enthusiastically.

"Beep!"

Just then, a long whistle blew from the sidelines.

After the timeout, UConn made a substitution. Tang Tian came in for Smith, playing the small forward position.

He weighed around 100 kilograms, making him a solid center in training games, but he was typically a small forward/shooting guard.

"He's finally here, a new player who's been making waves recently," the commentator said with a hint of anticipation upon seeing UConn's substitution.

"Yes, Tang Tian, the 'miracle boy' from China. UConn's substitution is much earlier than usual this time," the guest commentator noted, glancing at the clock.

"The situation on the court is very unfavorable for them. They're hoping Tang can cool Thompson down," the commentator said with a smile.

"Do you think he can do it?" he then asked.

"I think it'll be difficult," the guest commentator hesitated.

"Why do you say that?"

"Firstly, I've watched UConn's previous games. Tang is quite good at defending against drives, but he hasn't faced a player like Thompson who loves off-ball movement. So, previous games aren't very relevant."

The commentator nodded, acknowledging the validity of the analysis.

"Secondly, didn't Bena mention in an interview that they had prepared specific defensive strategies for Tang? That's also something to look forward to."

"Finally, Tang hasn't scored any points in past games, which indicates his offensive ability is truly lacking. UConn hasn't scored yet either. Cahoon sending him in now is quite a gamble."

The guest commentator's analysis was sharp. Not only the commentators but even the fans behind them nodded in agreement.

"Old man, if Tang goes in now, our offense is finished," Ollie said, unable to hold back his concern. He hadn't dared to question Cahoon directly during the previous substitution, but now that Tang Tian was on the court, he couldn't keep quiet.

Just as the guest commentator said, they hadn't scored yet. If they were playing 4-on-5, even if they could stop Thompson, it wouldn't be enough!

Not to mention, they might not even be able to stop him!

"I have my reasons," Cahoon replied without further explanation this time.

He had seen Tang Tian practicing late in the training facility. Although Tang Tian claimed it was just good shooting form, Cahoon had an instinct that Tang Tian might have been hiding his strength, waiting for an opportunity.

Of course, this was just his personal feeling. The logic of deliberately hiding shooting ability was a bit shaky, which was why he didn't elaborate to Ollie.

However, ever since Tang Tian entered the game, Cahoon's gaze had been fixed on him, eagerly anticipating a surprise.

UConn inbounded the ball, and Walker brought it up the court.

Washington State University was still employing a 2-3 zone defense.

UConn's consecutive missed three-pointers allowed them to play defense more aggressively.

Walker continued to use O'Riaqi's screen to attack.

This time, however, he drove decisively, squeezing through to the basket and forcing up a layup.

UConn finally got on the scoreboard.

"UConn seems to be running out of options. If they keep playing like this, Walker's stamina will be severely depleted; he won't last the whole game," the commentator remarked.

"If not this way, is there any other method?" the guest commentator countered.

The commentator pondered for a moment and shook his head. UConn lacked three-point shooting, and Washington State University's defense was tight. Besides relying on Walker's individual ability, there was no other immediately effective solution.

"Stomp stomp!"

"Go! Cougars!"

The crowd, spurred on by the DJ, cheered for the home team.

The point guard advanced the ball to the frontcourt. Washington State University stuck to their usual strategy, with Thompson using a teammate's screen to cut in from the right 45-degree angle.

Tang Tian started to follow, but the screen came directly at him.

This wasn't a normal screen; the player setting it moved his whole body forward, showing no intention of rolling or popping out. This was a direct switch-defense play!

The camera panned to Bena on the bench, a smile on his face.

This was what he had prepared for Tang Tian.

Tang Tian, your on-ball defense is strong, but with consecutive off-ball screens, it's hard to get past one, let alone a second. By the time you switch to guarding someone else, Thompson naturally won't be a threat anymore.

However, his smile froze for a moment because Tang Tian seemed to have anticipated it. He got into position early and pushed through.

"So fast, and... his judgment is so accurate!" The commentator couldn't help but exclaim.

With high-quality screens like this, it's difficult to push through directly unless you anticipate it.

But Tang Tian did it! After pushing through the defense, he was still closely chasing Thompson.

Washington State University's second screen, this time by the center, who was wider and created a larger screen.

But just before the screen was set, Tang Tian accelerated and got past again!

He was still with Thompson!

Bena was stunned.

Is this guy a loach?!

With two consecutive screens failing, Thompson also felt the pressure.

He had now circled out from under the basket and run to the three-point line.

His teammate passed him the ball immediately.

Thompson caught the ball and, seeing Tang Tian rushing over, tried the same trick: a fake shot.

But Tang Tian didn't fall for it at all!

He directly slowed down, stuck to him defensively, and didn't even give Thompson a chance to shoot!

The crowd erupted.

This Tang Tian's defense is just too on point!