Failed?

The opponent in UConn's next game is Marquette University.

This is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season.

Unlike last time, this game will be played on Marquette University's home court.

Walker still traveled with the team. He didn't seem to be limping anymore, but a strain still needs rest, and he's still about half a month away from returning to play.

Walker can't play, and UConn has just suffered a three-game losing streak. For Marquette University, this is an excellent opportunity for revenge.

Moreover, the outcome of this game is crucial for Marquette University. If they can win, they will rise from eighth to seventh in the league; otherwise, they will drop to ninth.

Before the game, the camera focused on the team's core player, Jimmy Butler, whose expression was very serious.

As one of the hardest-working players in NCAA, he, like Walker, is constantly thinking about how to lead the team to victory.

Marquette University had a good start to the season, but their performance has been inconsistent since then. They are still fighting for a spot in the championship game, which puts a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

Although Lavoy Allen has already left UConn, he has a good relationship with the team's backup center, Forsyth. Seeing him sitting on the sidelines, Allen prepared to go over and say hello.

"What are you doing?" Butler called out to him just as he took a couple of steps.

After calling him over, Butler walked straight towards him.

"I was just going to say hello. Alexander is my friend," Allen explained.

"He's not your friend. They're our opponents now, our enemies," Butler said.

Allen was stunned for a moment.

"Go back to practice," Butler said, grabbing Allen and pulling him back.

Butler was the team leader, and although Allen was reluctant, he couldn't show it.

The pre-game warm-ups for both teams concluded, and the starting players from both sides began to take the court one by one.

A huge roar erupted from the crowd.

Despite their inconsistent record, Marquette University plays hard in every game under Butler's leadership, earning them a high standing in the hearts of their fans.

The arena is always packed during their games, with fans expressing their fervent support for the team in their own unique ways.

As Butler took the court, he patted his chest, pointed to the sky, and took a deep breath.

On UConn's side, Walker sat on the sidelines in a suit. Napier started in his place. The other four starters remained the same as before.

"Coach, are you really sure you're okay?" Ollie turned to look at Cahoon.

He still vividly remembered what happened on the court a few days ago. After the one-on-one challenge that day, Lamb hadn't said a word during practice.

"We'll know soon enough," Cahoon replied calmly.

Ollie hesitated, wanting to say something more, but ultimately remained silent.

Frankly speaking, Cahoon was retiring this year. He would be the head coach next season. Once Walker left, Lamb would be his core player. If Lamb's mentality collapsed because of Tang Tian, he didn't know who he would complain to.

"Beep!"

With the referee's whistle, O'Riaqi tipped the ball back to UConn's half, and the game officially began.

Napier brought the ball up the court. Tang Tian set a high pick-and-roll. After the screen, he dropped back to the three-point line, and Napier drove to the basket.

Thanks to Tang Tian's gravity on the perimeter, this play had become one of UConn's regular tactics. The difference was that Napier was now initiating it instead of Walker.

Napier's skill level was two tiers below Walker's, but his driving speed was still quite good. Seeing that Marquette University wasn't double-teaming him, he accelerated past the opposing power forward and drove to the basket.

Allen came to help defend. Napier leaned into him and went up for a left-handed layup.

They had played on the same team before, so Napier knew his defensive tendencies, which allowed him to avoid the block.

"Bang!"

The ball hit the backboard and bounced into the net.

UConn scored first.

"What are you doing?! Block him! Don't you remember what happened before?" Butler yelled at Allen, clearly displeased with his defense on that play. After all, it wasn't Walker who scored, but Napier.

Allen's expression turned serious after being yelled at.

Marquette University's offense. Butler had the ball, guarded by Tang Tian. He didn't force a drive. Seeing Allen open at the high post, he passed the ball.

After receiving the pass, Allen bumped into O'Riaqi, turned, and took a mid-range jump shot.

O'Riaqi was a step too slow.

"Swish!"

Allen's mid-range shot went in, scoring Marquette University's first point.

Butler proactively reached out and high-fived him forcefully.

"That's the way! Beat them!"

His mental attributes were indeed high, and Allen's entire state was ignited by him.

"It's okay, just stay a little closer," Tang Tian said to O'Riaqi on UConn's side.

O'Riaqi nodded.

Napier brought the ball up the court. It was the same play, but this time Allen's help defense was on point, so he dribbled the ball back out beyond the three-point line.

With more than half of the 35-second shot clock used, he signaled to his teammates for a new play.

Tang Tian began to use Smith's pick and roll to get to the corner three.

After scoring 21 points on 7-of-X shots against Georgetown, Tang Tian's open threes were being heavily guarded by the opponent. Now, not only was the opposing forward sticking close to him, but Butler was also positioned between Napier and him, cutting off the passing lane.

UConn's strategy was being countered. However, after Tang Tian drew the defensive attention of Marquette University, Lamb had an opportunity on the other side at the 45-degree angle.

Napier whipped the ball over.

Lamb got a very good look at an open three-pointer. He caught the ball and shot without hesitation.

"Bang!"

The shot was a bit too strong, hitting the back rim and bouncing high.

He still missed the shot.

"He missed?" Ollie's heart skipped a beat seeing this.

Just then, O'Riaqi used his height advantage to grab the offensive rebound over Allen.

A figure rushed from the perimeter into the paint.

It was Lamb.

He had already charged inside after missing the shot.

Seeing this, O'Riaqi passed the ball, and Lamb caught it, shooting over Allen's defense.

Allen tried his best to block, his defensive intensity clearly better than when he was guarding Napier.

His wingspan was excellent, completely covering Lamb's shooting angle.

But Lamb showed his talent now, a small euro-step in the air to evade Allen before shooting.

"Clang!"

Allen's block hit Lamb's hand. Unable to control his momentum, he knocked Lamb to the ground.

The referee on the sideline blew his whistle, signaling a defensive foul on Allen.

"Swish!"

Lamb's shot hit the backboard, bounced once, and rolled into the net.

The ball went in.

It was an and-1!