Chapter 8: Regional Semifinals (Part 2)
Mississippi State University's tactics were very simple: after point guard Marcus Jordan brought the ball past half-court, he would pass it to the big man Russell Walter at the free-throw line.
Then, Erick Dampier would post up on the right low block, and as soon as he successfully sealed his defender, they would immediately execute a high-low play.
Nate was still a bit thin, and this time Erick Dampier successfully sealed him again. Fortunately, Rudy John's help Defense double-team was quick enough, and Erick Dampier could only pass the ball back helplessly.
There weren't many pick-and-rolls; the team's primary offensive option was Erick Dampier's low-post offense.
Li You, on the court, watched the opponent's movements and could only run back and forth with the smaller player, Darryl Wilson.
The future "Western Conference's Best Center" still had somewhat rough hands. He spent nearly 35 seconds backing into the paint, missed the layup, and Nate secured the defensive rebound immediately.
"Shit!"
Not getting the rebound, Erick Dampier, who had been playing with great intensity, cursed under his breath. He turned his head only to find Li You, who had received the ball, charging forward and already past half-court.
Both teams' big men were still in the backcourt, but Li You didn't wait for his teammates to get into position. Noticing that the quickly retreating Darryl Wilson didn't choose to stick close to him, Li You immediately bent his hips and slowed down near the three-point line.
To his opponent's surprised gaze, Li You suddenly stopped short a small step away from the three-point line, then quickly gathered the ball, lifted it, and shot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in again!
18:15, in the blink of an eye, the deficit was cut to three points. Erick Dampier, still frantically retreating on Defense, stared wide-eyed. "He just blindly threw it up!"
Li You, who had just made the shot, patted his chest and raised his right hand, showing three fingers. The University of Connecticut fans erupted in cheers again, as they were about to tie the score!
【Sharpshooter】 This was a talent Li You automatically activated after two and a half years of intensified three-point training.
Although there was no explanation, it brought Li You infinite confidence, which was also the reason for his sudden change in playing style in high school.
Coach Calhoun also cheered with raised arms, then stood on the sidelines, shouting loudly:
"Hold them for one possession! Play good Defense!"
Ray Allen, who had a poor shooting touch, also constantly reminded the big men in the paint to focus on rebounding.
Mississippi State University still primarily ran the Flex offense, with everyone participating in screens, and then the ball would eventually go to the low post.
Erick Dampier, posting up for the ball on the left low block, was double-teamed as soon as he received it, but the 35-second shot clock allowed the opponent to adjust calmly.
Li You continued to dart around with Darryl Wilson, the smaller player in front of him constantly trying to find a suitable shooting opportunity.
The offense completely stalled, and with 6 seconds left on the shot clock, Darryl Wilson took a desperate shot from the left wing.
After receiving the ball, Darryl Wilson immediately drove with his left hand, attempting to shake off Li You with his speed, but his lack of explosiveness on the first step caused him to collide directly into Li You.
With the shot clock winding down, Darryl Wilson, still leaning on Li You in the left restricted area, casually tossed the ball towards the basket with his left hand!
As soon as the ball left his hand, Li You jumped up and swatted it away with a thunderous block!
"Oh!"
Darryl Wilson was knocked to the ground, and the fans in the arena gasped. Li You, who completed the block, scooped up the ball and immediately threw it to the frontcourt.
Ray Allen, who had already sprinted past half-court, received the pass and charged forward.
Battling against the opposing guard Marcus Jordan's Defense, he drove hard for three steps in the paint, grabbed the ball with one hand, shrugged off his defender, and completed a scoop layup!
"Screech! Bang! Swish!"
The referee blew his whistle, the ball banked in, and Ray Allen, who had lost his balance and rolled on the floor, sat up, wildly pumped his fists, and then pounded his chest, roaring.
Rupp Arena completely erupted, with the University of Connecticut fans jumping and cheering.
Commentator Billy Packer hadn't expected the deficit to be tied in less than three minutes after Li You entered the game:
"Lee has changed the momentum of the game, with impressive performances on both offense and Defense!"
"We should have fewer prejudices. Basketball games, after all, are about letting your play speak for itself."
Li You ran to the frontcourt, pulled up the fallen Ray Allen, and encouraged him with a smile:
"Beautiful finish! It's about time you found your rhythm!"
Suddenly feeling as if Li You had become the team's leader, Ray Allen, upon standing up, quickly responded confidently:
"I'm going to tear apart the opponent here!"
His teammates also came over to celebrate together; if he made the free throw, they would tie the score.
On the sidelines, Head Coach Richard Williams heard the renewed cheers from the crowd and helplessly called a timeout.
Ray Allen made the free throw, and University of Connecticut went on a 9-0 run.
In terms of individual player skill, Ray Allen at this time absolutely dominated the opposing perimeter players.
After Li You helped the team overcome its difficulties, Ray Allen, returning to his normal state, drove to the basket and shot from outside, scoring continuously.
As the first half was about to end, Ray Allen hit a contested three-pointer from the left wing outside the three-point line!
35:43, University of Connecticut had completely turned the game around.
Li You, who had already returned to the bench, waved his towel; he knew this game was basically secured.
As the next half began, Mississippi State University fans gradually despaired, and Head Coach Richard Williams's loud shouting was futile.
Under double-team Defense in the paint, Erick Dampier found it difficult to score, and in a losing situation, their outside shooting suddenly went cold. Several attempts to quicken the offensive pace were met with counterattacks from Connecticut.
Once the lead reached 12 points, Coach Calhoun completely relaxed. University of Connecticut also returned to its slow-paced game rhythm.
When Li You re-entered the game in the second half, he played the tactics methodically, even intentionally slowing down if a fast break opportunity arose.
Erick Dampier could only fret, but there was nothing he could do; not every player can perform well when trailing.
As the game neared its end, Rupp Arena was filled with the cheers of University of Connecticut fans; they would reach the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year!
Ultimately, 65:77, Mississippi State University failed to pull off the upset and stopped at the Sweet Sixteen.
On the bench, Ray Allen cheered loudly with his teammates. Li You, walking towards the bench, also smiled; they had a chance to reach the Final Four this year!
Li You left a deep impression on commentator Jim Nantz, who, as a seasoned sports journalist, couldn't help but praise him:
"Stepping up when the team faced difficulties, I believe Lee will succeed."
"We should focus more on the talent he has shown, rather than dwelling on his flaws. There are no perfect players in the world."
Billy Packer heard his partner's words and immediately joked with a smile:
"Isn't Michael Jordan perfect enough?"
"God, Lee is just an 18-year-old kid. He's only 6 feet 3 inches. Don't ask too much of him!"
"..."
In 19 minutes of play, Li You was 5 for 8 from the field, 2 for 4 from three-point range, with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block.
His stats were unremarkable, but many scouts at the arena changed some of their preconceived notions.
Dave Wohl pondered for a moment, then made another note in his notebook:
"Big-game player?"
In reality, in this game, Connecticut collectively shot poorly, dug themselves a hole at the start, and then collapsed _(:з」∠)_