Mississippi State's tactics are very simple. After point guard Marcus Blatt dribbled across half court, he gave the ball to big man Russell Walters at the free throw line.
Then, Dampier stuck out his butt in the low position on the right side to gain position. As long as the position was successfully blocked, he immediately cooperated with the high and low positions.
Knight's body was still a little thin, and this time he was successfully blocked by Dampier. Fortunately, Rudy Johnson was quick enough to help defend and double-team this time, so Dampier had no choice but to pass back.
There aren't many pick-and-rolls, and the team's first tactical choice is Dampier's low-post attack.
Li You on the court watched his opponent score and play, and could only follow the little Daryl Wilson running back and forth.
The future "No. 1 center in the Western Conference" was still a little rough with his skills. He drove into the basket with 35 seconds left but missed the layup. Knight protected the backcourt rebound immediately this time.
"Shet!"
He didn't get a rebound. Dampier, who was in high spirits during this period, cursed lowly. When he turned around, he found that Li You, who had received the ball, rushed forward with the ball. It was already past halftime...
The big players on both sides were still in the backcourt, but Li You did not wait for his teammates to get into position. He noticed that Daryl Wilson, who quickly retreated from defense, did not choose to defend, and immediately bent his hips to slow down as he approached the three-point line.
In the surprised eyes of his opponent, still a short step away from the three-point line, Li You suddenly stopped, then quickly combined the ball, raised the ball and threw it!
"Whoa!" Another three-pointer!
At 18:15, the point difference was narrowed to three points in the blink of an eye. Dampier, who was still trying to defend, his eyes went straight. This was a blind throw!
After completing the goal, Li You patted his chest, raised his right hand and raised three fingers. The University of Connecticut fans shouted again, they were going to tie the score!
[Marksman] This is a talent that Li You automatically activated after two and a half years of intensive three-point shooting training.
Although there was no explanation, it gave Li You endless confidence, which was also the reason for the sudden change in his high school playing style.
Coach Calhoun also cheered, and then stood on the sidelines and shouted:
"Hold for one round! Be defensive!"
Ray Allen, who had a poor touch, was also on hand to constantly remind the big men inside to pay attention to rebounds.
Mississippi State still relies on Flex tactics, with everyone involved in screening and finally giving the ball to the low post.
Dampier, who stuck his butt out and asked for the ball in the low post on the left, was double-teamed as soon as he got the ball, but the 35-second attack time allowed the opponent to adjust calmly.
Li You continued to follow Darryl Wilson, and the little man in front of him kept trying to find the right opportunity to take action.
The tactics came to a complete standstill, and Daryl Wilson took over on the left wing with 6 seconds left in the attack time.
After catching the ball, he immediately broke through with the ball in his left hand. Daryl Wilson tried to get rid of Li You with his speed, but the lack of explosive power in the first step caused him to completely run into Li You's arms.
The attack time was about to come. Daryl Wilson leaned on Li You in the left block and threw the ball to the basket with his left hand!
As soon as the ball was released, Li You jumped up and slapped him in the face!
"oh!"
Daryl Wilson fell to the ground after being blocked, and the fans at the scene exclaimed. After completing the block, Li You took advantage of the opportunity to grab the ball, and then threw the ball directly forward.
It was almost past halftime when Ray Allen rushed forward after receiving the pass.
Against the defense of the opponent's guard Marcus Bullard, he rushed up in the paint with three strides, grabbed the ball with one hand with his right hand, and pushed away the opponent to complete the basket!
"Squeak! Bang...swish!"
The referee blew the whistle and the ball hit the board. Ray Allen, who lost his center of gravity and rolled in a circle on the floor, sat up and punched wildly, then beat his chest and roared.
Rupp Arena erupted, with UConn fans jumping and cheering.
Commentator Billy Parker also didn’t expect that within three minutes of Li You’s appearance, the point difference would be tied:
"Lee changed the situation on the court, with impressive performances on both offense and defense!"
"We should be less prejudiced. In basketball, the ball speaks for itself."
Li You ran to the frontcourt, pulled up Ray Allen who fell to the ground, smiled and encouraged:
"A beautiful finish, it's time to find some form!"
Suddenly it felt like Li You had become the boss of the team. Ray Allen stood up and responded confidently:
"I will defeat my opponent here!"
His teammates also came over to celebrate together. As long as the free throw is made, they will equalize the score.
Head coach Richard Williams heard the cheers rang out again from the sidelines and reluctantly asked for a timeout.
Ray Allen hit a free throw and UConn went on a 9-0 run...
In terms of the player's personal strength, Ray Allen at this time is definitely the outside player who crushes the opponent.
After Li You helped the team get through the difficult situation, Ray Allen, who returned to his normal state, made a sudden outside shot and scored consecutive points.
At the end of the first half, Ray Allen made a three-pointer from the left wing outside the three-point line against the defense!
At 35:43, UConn completely turned the game around.
Li You, who had already sat back on the bench, waved his towel. He knew that the game was basically stable.
After the start of the next game, Mississippi State fans gradually became desperate, and coach Richard Williams shouted loudly to no avail.
Under the double-team defense in the interior, Dampier had difficulty scoring, and suddenly lost his accuracy on the outside in the headwind game. He sped up the offensive rhythm several times, but was counterattacked by Connecticut.
After the score difference reached 12 points, head coach Calhoun was completely relieved, and UConn resumed its slow pace of play.
Li You, who came on the scene again in the second half, started his tactics step by step, deliberately slowing down even if there was an opportunity to switch offense.
Dampier could only follow and worry, but there was no way. Not every player can fight against the headwind...
Near the end of the game, Rupp Arena was filled with cheers from University of Connecticut fans. They will reach the top 8 for the second consecutive year!
In the end, at 65:77, Mississippi State failed to win and ended up in the Sweet 16.
On the bench, Ray Allen cheered loudly along with his teammates. Li You, who walked to the bench, also smiled. They have a chance to reach the semi-finals this year!
Li You left a deep impression on commentator Jim Nantz. At this time, the veteran sports reporter couldn't help but praise a few words:
"Standing up after the team encounters difficulties, I believe Lee will succeed."
"We should look more at the talents he has shown instead of focusing on his shortcomings. There is no perfect player in the world."
Billy Parker immediately laughed and joked after hearing his partner's words:
"Isn't Michael Jordan perfect enough?"
"God, Lee is just an 18-year-old boy. He is only 6 feet 3 inches. Don't expect too much from him!"
"..."
In 19 minutes of playing time, Li You made 5 of 8, 2 of 4 from beyond the three-point line, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 block.
The data was unremarkable, but many scouts on the scene changed some of their inherent impressions.
Dave Wall thought for a while and marked it again in his notebook:
"Big game player?"
