Entering the Starting Lineup!

Chapter 27: Entering the Starting Lineup!

Providence College's adjustments were shattered by Tang Tian's high-pressure defense, and the second half of the game became almost his personal showcase.

Brooks tried desperately to break free, but Tang Tian was like sticky candy, impossible to shake off.

For the first time since playing in the NCAA, he appeared particularly flustered on the court.

This was the effect of Tang Tian's full-effort defense; it was impossible for NCAA players to cope with seven or eight-tenths of his individual defense skill.

What's more, Brooks was the type of player whose passing ability was already compromised.

He'd get stripped after a drive, miss shots after a pull-up, and get blocked after a forced turn.

Brooks, who had been able to do whatever he pleased on the court before, was now being utterly suppressed by Tang Tian.

Actually, Tang Tian didn't need to go this far, but Brooks's taunts at the start of the game were something he couldn't stand.

He, sometimes, held grudges!

With Brooks completely shut down by Tang Tian, Providence College's offense stalled completely.

In the end, UConn thrashed Providence College 81-61 at home, securing a thoroughly satisfying victory and their eighth consecutive win!

For UConn, Lamb had 20 points and 4 rebounds, Walker had 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, O'Riaqi had 11 points and 12 rebounds, Napier had 10 points and 3 assists, and Orland and Smith each contributed 8 points.

Facing Providence College's less-than-stellar defense, they played like a multi-point explosion.

Tang Tian's focus in this game was entirely on defending Brooks. He shot 1-of-3 from beyond the arc for 3 points, adding 3 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks!

His matchup, Brooks, Providence College's absolute core, shot 7-of-26 from the field for 15 points and 3 rebounds, with a staggering 6 turnovers!

After watching the second half, the fans all had one feeling: Tang Tian's defense at full strength was terrifying!

At the post-game press conference, Cahoon attended with Lamb and Tang Tian.

"He was the key to us winning this game," Cahoon said, not sparing any praise. Tang Tian's defensive performance in this game even exceeded his expectations.

"How do you evaluate Brooks's performance? We know he said before the game that you couldn't guard him, but you ultimately did." After asking Cahoon, the reporter turned to Tang Tian.

"MarShon is a very outstanding scorer. He can shoot, he can drive, and his style of play is very similar to Kobe's," Tang Tian said, surprising the reporters present by praising Brooks extensively from the start.

"But even Kobe misses shots sometimes. I believe he'll quickly adjust his form, and I look forward to playing them again in the championship game."

The reporters below were waiting for a twist, but after hearing him out, they realized Tang Tian was genuinely praising Brooks. He appeared quite magnanimous!

However, Cahoon beside him couldn't help but chuckle.

Tang Tian's words had a double meaning. Kobe misses shots too; he was subtly mocking Brooks's poor shot selection during the game!

The reporters didn't catch on at first. Once the news broke and fans discovered it, it would likely become another topic of ridicule.

Tang Tian's communication skills were truly something else.

After defeating Providence College, UConn's record improved to 10-4, moving them up to fourth place in the Big East Conference.

The top eight teams in the conference advance to the tournament. The top four are in the upper bracket, holding home-court advantage, and the higher their ranking, the weaker the opponent they face.

By entering the upper bracket, their chances of advancing in the tournament naturally increased by one.

The team's next game was at home against Georgetown University. In their previous matchup, Greg Monroe had wreaked havoc in the paint, scoring 30 points and grabbing 21 rebounds, thoroughly dominating UConn's interior.

Tang Tian's defense was strong, but he was a swing player between the three and four positions. This upcoming game would be a significant test for UConn.

However, during the training session the next day, Cahoon announced important news.

Tang Tian would be entering the starting lineup in the next game!

This was, in fact, entirely within the expectations of the other players.

If Tang Tian had started the previous game, Brooks's performance might have been even worse.

Moreover, his defense, and the pick-and-rolls between him and Walker, had become an indispensable part of UConn's strategy after so many games!

What was surprising, however, was that Tang Tian wasn't replacing Smith, but Orland, taking on the starting power forward position.

Orland stood at 2.11 meters, a full 10 centimeters taller than Tang Tian. This adjustment effectively lowered UConn's interior height.

But Cahoon clearly had his own considerations.

In the last game against Providence College, Brooks was so off his game due to Tang Tian's defense that Providence College still scored over 60 points.

UConn's current starting lineup had sufficient height but lacked mobility. Against faster opponents, transitioning back on defense was a major issue.

Although he was a bit old-fashioned, he could still understand the trends in basketball. The pace of the game was getting faster and faster, and mobility was becoming more important.

He had used Orland before because he had no other choice. Now that he had Tang Tian, he naturally needed to make a change.

Tang Tian's 2-meter height was perfectly adequate to play the four position in the NCAA. Furthermore, he had strong physicality and speed, making him a perfect complement to O'Riaqi.

"Tang, congratulations!"

"Tang, you have to treat us to a meal!"

Tang Tian was well-liked by his teammates at UConn. All the players came up to congratulate him.

"We definitely have to celebrate. Not a single person will be left out," Tang Tian said generously.

In his past life, his wealth was just a string of numbers, so he didn't really care about money. Before, he couldn't afford things because he lacked a scholarship, but now that he had one, treating someone to a meal was definitely not a problem.

After agreeing to have dinner tomorrow night, Tang Tian returned to his dorm to rest after finishing his training.

However, he received a call not long after lying down.

It was Olson.

"Do you have time tonight? I'd like to invite you to watch a movie."

The last time they had dinner together, Olson had looked somewhat reluctant to leave. He hadn't expected her to proactively invite him to a movie now.

This development felt a bit fast.

But this was just Tang Tian's current charm, which couldn't be explained by him being handsome alone.

Olson came from a good family, and there were definitely many people around her who were more handsome than Tang Tian. It could only be said that Tang Tian's mature masculine charm had attracted her.

"I have extra training tonight," Tang Tian replied directly.

He didn't dislike Olson, but after experiencing so much in his past life, he knew what was more important.

"Then I'll buy tickets for a later showing. Around what time will you finish?" To Tang Tian's surprise, Olson was very understanding.

"Around 9 PM." Tang Tian gave a time. Since Olson had gone this far, refusing would seem inappropriate.

"Okay, I'll pick you up then," Olson said directly.