This was O'Riaqi's role at UConn.
He did not look particularly strong in physical confrontations, and he only averaged around 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. But without him, they not only lost a finisher under the basket on the offensive end, but their Defensive Rebound protection also became a major problem.
The first half ended with UConn leading San Diego State 36-33. Although they were still ahead, after giving up so many Defensive Rebounds, the situation looked completely different from the start of the game.
Forsyth was undersized and lacked awareness, allowing Leonard alone to grab four or five Offensive Rebounds.
During the 15-minute halftime break, both teams returned to their locker rooms to regroup.
At this moment, several people in one corner of the stands stood noticeably taller than those around them.
They were players from Arizona University, whose tournament debut the following night would also take place here.
Arizona University was also a West Region team and a strong one at that. However, as a wild-card team, they had ultimately been assigned the fifth seed in the region by the tournament committee.
That meant that, if things went smoothly, they would face the winner between UConn and San Diego State in the next round of 32-to-16.
"Connecticut has performed worse than expected," Arizona University's core player, Derrick Williams, said from the stands.
"Yeah. Their interior is too weak, and that Tang's defense isn't as good as the rumors made it out to be either. At least, he looks far worse than Leonard on the other side," Solomon Hill agreed. He was Arizona University's starting Small Forward.
"If we play San Diego State, that Leonard will definitely be a problem," Williams said with a nod.
Walker might not have been the strongest point guard in this class,