Premonition Ability

NCAA games are divided into two halves, with a 15-minute halftime break.

After the first half concluded, both teams returned to their respective locker rooms to rest.

Cahoon was also in the locker room, summarizing the team's performance in the first half and the points to focus on in the second half.

"We played very well in the first half. If we continue this intensity on defense, the opponent is clearly not used to it."

"But this is their home court, and they definitely won't give up easily, so we need to stay focused in the second half."

"Kemba, if you have an open look from outside in the second half, consider passing."

Cahoon suddenly said to Walker alone.

Tang Tian's defensive performance after entering the game in the first half had already satisfied him, but he still had some expectations for Tang Tian's performance from outside.

However, this expectation was purely personal, so he didn't state it too obviously. And given Tang Tian's current status on the team, he couldn't design tactics specifically for him.

Walker wiped sweat from his brow and nodded. He had scored a lot in the first half, but he had also expended a lot of energy.

With more than five minutes left before the second half began, Cahoon let the players rest a bit longer, and he and Ollie went out first.

Seeing that both coaches had left, Tang Tian then got up and walked over to sit beside Walker.

"Kemba, you were in such great form in the first half. They're definitely going to double-team you relentlessly when they come back out. Even if they don't, they'll at least have Clay guard you one-on-one. Remember to pass the ball out more." Tang Tian said to Walker.

He spoke softly, but besides Walker, Lamb and Napier, who were nearby, all heard him.

They looked at Tang Tian in confusion, wondering why he was repeating what Cahoon had already said.

"I understand." To their surprise, Walker nodded very seriously.

The people around him didn't feel anything special, but for Walker, hearing it from both of them felt completely different.

Cahoon had simply told him to pass more when opportunities arose. But Tang Tian was talking about potential strategic adjustments from the opponent, urging him to guard against them in advance.

This was the same principle as when Ollie yelled at O'Riaqi. Tang Tian's coaching ability from his past life was higher than that of Cahoon and Ollie, so he naturally knew how to make the players understand and accept things the fastest.

"And Alex, stop setting high screens for pick-and-rolls. Let Orland do that. Your height gives you an advantage inside. If we miss shots, go for offensive rebounds." Tang Tian then said to O'Riaqi.

O'Riaqi nodded directly. The few pointers Tang Tian had given him during the game against Marquette University were still benefiting him greatly.

At this moment, Lamb and Napier looked at Tang Tian with astonishment.

Walker and Tang Tian were good friends, and Tang Tian was just giving some reminders, so Walker accepting them was understandable.

But O'Riaqi was also a sophomore! Tang Tian's words just now were almost entirely in a coaching tone, yet O'Riaqi wasn't surprised at all and nodded without the slightest hesitation?

"What? Is there something on my face?" Tang Tian saw their expressions and reached up to touch his face.

"No." Lamb and Napier gave awkward smiles and then turned their heads away.

After the halftime break, the starting players from both teams took the court again. On UConn's side, Tang Tian was still not in the starting lineup.

At the beginning of the second half, Washington State University's offense began. Thompson was still running off the ball, and Smith on UConn was working hard to keep up, with teammates actively helping him with weak-side defense.

However, just as UConn's attention was focused on Thompson, the point guard suddenly passed the ball inside. Taking advantage of O'Riaqi being screened out, their center directly scored in the paint.

The home team struck first in the second half.

The point difference was narrowed to 11 points.

Tang Tian then glanced at the opposing team's bench on the other side. This coach, Bena, had spoken rather boldly before the game, but his skill was quite good.

Although Tang Tian had defended Thompson effectively in the first half, making him uncomfortable, no one dared to underestimate him. Bena was using this to draw defensive attention and create scoring opportunities for other players. If UConn got distracted defending other players, Thompson could also find an opening to shoot directly.

This was essentially an adjustment to the game plan from the first half, transforming the offense from a single-point focus to a system.

On UConn's offense, Walker had the ball.

Just as Tang Tian had said, Washington State University had also made defensive adjustments. They directly had Thompson guard Walker.

It was not common in basketball games, especially in the NCAA, for the ace player to guard the opponent's ace. The team's ace was responsible for scoring, and guarding the opponent's ace would surely be too much of a physical strain.

Lamb and Napier looked at Tang Tian again at this moment, their expressions of surprise deepening.

The opponent's adjustment had been predicted by Tang Tian!

Walker made a series of crossovers to break past Thompson. His speed was faster than Thompson's.

However, his consecutive drives did not create easy scoring opportunities.

Thompson's defense was surprisingly good.

Bena revealed a smug smile at this moment.

Most people only saw Thompson's offensive performance and overlooked his defensive deterrence.

If he fully committed to defense, Thompson's defense was not much worse than that of Tang Tian!

Walker's final layup, under Thompson's interference, bounced off the rim. Thompson secured the rebound.

A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd.

With this one offense and one defense after returning from halftime, the home team saw hope of winning again.

Washington State University's offense, using the same tactic, this time it was their guard who suddenly drove into the paint and scored on a layup.

The deficit was narrowed to 9 points.

Cahoon stood up and walked to the sideline at this moment, reminding his players to pay attention to guarding other players.

His reaction wasn't too slow.

On UConn's offense, Walker continued to be guarded by Thompson while holding the ball.

Since it wasn't a double-team, Walker wanted to pass, but his teammates didn't have an opportunity. He chose a step-back jump shot this time.

However, Thompson was 2.01 meters tall, and his jump still provided enough interference.

"Bang!"

Walker missed his second consecutive shot since returning for the second half.

But just then, O'Riaqi under the basket out-rebounded Washington State's interior players for the offensive rebound, then passed to Walker.

This second-chance opportunity caught Thompson off guard; he didn't have time to get back on defense.

Walker's close-range floater went in.

The lead was extended back to 11 points.

Bena's smug expression faltered; this offensive rebound was clearly beyond his expectations.

Meanwhile, on UConn's bench, Lamb and Napier looked at Tang Tian as if they had seen a ghost.

After all, it was Tang Tian who had instructed O'Riaqi to crash the offensive boards during halftime.

Did Tang Tian have the ability to predict the future?!