Trey Paganier caught the ball in a three-threat stance, faked a move to deceive Jason Richardson, and hit a one-step mid-range shot.
Shelby Jordan defended Maurice Peterson alone, seized the opportunity to complete the cut ball, stole the ball and threw it to Nate Haier. Nate Haier counterattacked and rushed to the frontcourt, breaking into the inside despite the interference of Martin Cleaves. Scored two points by force.
30 to 26, the Trojans once again took a 4-point lead!
Li Ao recalled Shelby Jordan's one-on-one defense just now. The method was similar to his, but the more experienced Shelby Jordan cut the ball...
Just now, he was proud that Shelby Jordan had learned from him, but after thinking about it, he started to feel pain again.
Competition experience!
The four years of competition were not in vain. I found a way to guard against Maurice Peterson from him, learned not to say anything, and could also catch the opponent's loopholes that he failed to catch.
However, he then thought about it, didn't he learn another trick?
After being beaten 4-0, the Spartans began to exert their strength.
Martin Cleaves did not give the ball to Maurice Peterson again. He saw that the opponent's defense was very targeted. In their pre-game preparations, they predicted that Li Ao and Shelby Jordan would play like alligators. Like the Steam Oven Workers, the team used a double striker combination to defend the flanks.
Li Ao mainly defends the small forward, and Shelby Jordan mainly defends the power forward.
In that case, Morris Peterson has a chance.
Unexpectedly, the opponent actually asked these two people to take turns guarding Maurice Peterson, and they both guarded very well!
Maybe letting Maurice Peterson play a few more games can find the flaws in the opponent's defense, and the singles will become better.
But Martin Cleaves doesn't dare to try and make mistakes!
This is not an invitational tournament, this is the finals!
But it doesn't matter, Maurice Peterson is their strongest scorer, and the others score the most, averaging 11 or 2 points per game.
But they average 11 or 2 points per game, not like Granville and Trey Paganier who can only score 11 or 2 points, but the team only needs them to score 11 or 2 points in order for the team's offense to run smoothly. After all, there is only one ball.
Each of these five players who are bound to enter the NBA can average 15+ or even higher per game!
Under the leadership of Martin Cleaves, he and AJ Granger played the main attack in singles, Arushian Anagonye provided support, Maurice Peterson moved from the wing to contain, and Jason Richardson from the bottom corner In response, the Trojans were beaten 9-4.
35 to 34, the Spartans lead the Trojans by one point!
Just when the Spartans were about to pursue the victory and widen the point difference, Brusenthal stepped forward and hit a step-over hook in a low-post face-up single!
Li Ao jumped up from the bench and shouted "David" loudly. At this time, the big screen showed the Trojans bench. The Trojans fans who had been suppressed for several rounds cheered wildly and shouted "David". guard".
This makes Brusenthal's blood boil! The tremendous pressure brought to him by his opponent's powerful strength was swept away.
The opponent's stars are strong, but their side is not weak either!
They won all the way to the finals, so what are they afraid of? Just do it!
Li Ao's eyes lit up as he watched Brusenthal's expression become ferocious with excitement as he was worried about the next defense.
Sitting on the sidelines and resting, he is not completely useless!
Where are the towels?
Li Ao reached out and snatched the towel from Sam Clancy's hand next to him, waving it to cheer his teammates.
Sam Clancy: (O_O)? ? ? ?
Several other teammates on the sidelines saw Li Ao leading the fans and followed him to the sidelines waving towels.
Sam Clancy: [○｀Д○]
I also want to wave a towel, Hundan!
Does this make me look unsociable?
On the field, the Trojans inevitably fell into a disadvantage again.
The Spartans were forced by the Trojans to play unlimited singles. Although their team offense was reduced, their singles were too strong!
but……
Nate Hale made a floater, and Li Ao led the Trojans fans to shout "Nate".
After Shelby Jordan made a successful defense, Li Ao led the Trojans fans to shout "Little Laimbeer".
Even when Brusenthal grabbed a rebound, Li Ao led the fans to shout "David".
Some Trojans fans were inspired by Li Ao, and some guessed Li Ao's thoughts, but no matter what they were, they all roared along.
There were more than 90,000 people present, and a large number of them were not fans of the two teams currently playing, fans of the two eliminated teams, or locals. These people were also driven by the fanatical atmosphere of Trojans fans. , shouted along.
From the players to the fans, everyone was so united.
This scene shocked the TV commentator.
In fact, it's quite good. Normally, the player character being called would be embarrassed.
But tonight is different!
Trojans players need encouragement! They need cheers and shouts to give them motivation!
Although the Spartans had the absolute initiative, amid the cheers of the fans at the scene, the Trojans players were stunned to hold on to the score!
At 17 minutes and 22 seconds, the score reached 44-41, and the Spartans led the Trojans by 3 points.
In the past few rounds, the Spartans scored 9 points efficiently, but the Trojans also scored 5 points!
While Shelby Jordan went around and passed the ball to Maurice Peterson out of bounds, the ball was dead. Henry Bibby called a timeout and replaced Trey Pagnier and Baiman with Granville and Li Ao. Ba entered the game, and Nate Hale, Shelby Jordan, and Brusenthal continued to play.
Li Ao came to the court and looked at the players on the opposite side. The other side also rotated. Martin Cleaves finally came off the court to rest. Charlie Bell came back on the court and played point guard. The other four players on the court were Jason Lee. Chadson, Maurice Peterson, Arushian Anagonye, Andre Hutson.
The other four starters got some rest time in the first half, but Maurice Peterson has not been replaced yet!
Li Ao quickly figured out the opponent's intention - to use Morris Peterson to contain one of him or Shelby Jordan.
The timeout ended and the Spartans continued their offense.
Charlie Bell started the offense with a single and continued to play star tactics.
Jason Richardson seized the opportunity to turn around and throw away Granville who was going around and cut into the basket. Charlie Bell released the ball. Jason Richardson rushed to the left sideline of the three-second zone, took off, and raised the ball. Fly to the basket.
He wants to dunk!
The future dunk king wanted to use a dunk to sound the horn to open the score... "Pa"... Li Ao rushed into the basket from the right side of the three-second zone and slapped her hard - you insert it. Gotta dunk it deep on the ball!
'Siege level 2' effect bonus, Li Ao's speed +3 when shrinking to cover defense! The speed is increased to 92, and the starting point is increased to 88! Arrive in time!
Shelby Jordan was present together, following the opponent's Arushian Anagonye at the free throw line, Li Ao's contraction was very decisive!
The ball was slapped onto the backboard by Li Ao and bounced to the left side of the three-second zone. Granville flexibly circled the pile and grabbed the defensive rebound.
Fight back!
Granville advanced to the frontcourt, and with the help of Li Ao who followed up, he distributed the ball... Nate Hale cut in from the wing, caught the ball and made a layup!
43 to 44, the Trojans narrowed the point difference to 1 point!
When the Spartans attacked, Charlie Bell singled out Nate Hale. Not only did he make a shot, he also caused a foul, got an extra penalty, and made a hit.
During the transition between offense and defense, Li Ao moved and used a screen on the left side of the three-second zone to receive a pass from Nate Haier. Andre Hutson changed defense very quickly. Li Ao did not get rid of the defense, but after receiving the ball, he immediately turned around and took off... ...not a shot! He jumped up and passed the ball down to the right side of the three-second zone!
Granville, who received the ball, did not disappoint Li Ao. He took two steps into the three-second zone, faced the slow-footed Arushian Anagonye, and made a small throw...hit!
The Spartans players were a little anxious - these people are so good at chasing, why can't this damn score be opened?
When the Spartans attacked, Andre Hutson hit Brusenthal in the low post. The Trojans' defense still chose to defend one-on-one. Brusenthal failed to guard him. Andre- Hutson turned and jumped to the other side of the basket and hit an underhand layup.
Looking back, the Trojans didn't play their tactics well. Li Ao took over the blame and took off without fear. He jumped towards Maurice Peterson. When he took off, he leaned back. His whole body leaned back at an angle of more than 45 degrees and took the shot. Although he successfully avoided Morris Peterson's block, he fell directly to the floor after taking the shot.
But the goal went in!
Li Ao caught the ball and leaned back... After catching the ball, he lay down and made a mid-range shot!
47 to 49, the Trojans held on to the score!
With 13 seconds left in the first half, Charlie Bell advanced to the frontcourt and passed to Maurice Peterson who wanted the ball.
In the last attack of the half, Charlie Bell chose to give the team the player with the strongest scoring ability.
Although the Spartans' five starters all have the ability to score points, and each of them can be used as a core scorer for non-top teams in the NCAA, there are always differences in strength. Maurice Peterson can be their only one. For a player who averages 15+ per game, it is natural that he is not the one whose teammates give him opportunities, but that he is the first to grab the shot based on his strength.
Although Maurice Peterson was tortured by Li Ao and Shelby Jordan in the first half, at this time Charlie Bell still chose to believe in the team's star.
Morris Peterson received the ball and didn't have much time. He rushed directly inside and squeezed Li Ao to the left sideline of the three-second zone to take off and throw...
Not a good shot! Although he forced his way to the point of release, his shot was crooked as he was not as powerful as Li Ao!
After the opponent took the shot, Li Ao did not make any extra moves to avoid a foul. He turned around and made a blocking motion. The ball hit the left side of the neck of the basket and bounced back.
Li Ao grabbed the defensive rebound and hugged it, without giving Morris Peterson a chance to steal. When he passed the ball to Granville who ran up to meet him, the long whistle sounded at the end of the first half.
49 to 47, after the first half, the Spartans only led the Trojans by 2 points!
The reactions of the players from the two teams were completely different.
The Trojans trailed but were all elated.
While the Spartans were leading, some people were cursing constantly.
After entering the halftime break and returning to the locker room, the Trojans players actively exchanged their thoughts on the first half of the game.
Li Ao talked with Shelby Jordan about defense, talked about running shooting with White Mamba, talked about coordination with Granville, and talked about low-post scoring with Brusenthal...
Every player is communicating with teammates who need to play the same style or need to cooperate, and learn from each other's experience in the first half.
Henry Bibby did not disturb the communication between the players during the halftime break, and did not make any tactical adjustments. He stood aside silently, leaving all his time to the players.
He is determined and will continue to play like this in the second half!
The situation far exceeded his expectations. He originally thought that if they were less than 10 points behind at halftime, they would still have something to fight for.
Unexpectedly, we were only two points behind!
Then the second half will be interesting.
Henry Bibby is full of pride at this moment - five quasi-NBA players, they are very strong.
But we are stronger!
The one being beaten is a quasi-NBA player!
…
Back from the halftime break, the second half of the game begins.
The Trojans did not disrupt the rotation, and the combination of Granville, Sandy Fletcher, Li Ao, Shelby Jordan, and Evanisco came on.
The Spartans were much more aggressive. Tom Izzo directly sent out the starting lineup of Martin Cleaves, Charlie Bell, Maurice Peterson, Andre Hutson, and AJ Granger.
In the opening stage, the Spartans used Charlie Bell as the main attacker. Martin Cleaves, who played a long time in the first half, went to the corner to connect. Maurice Peterson continued to maintain wing containment, and Andre Hutson and AJ Granger serve as the secondary offensive point and receiving point.
The Spartans performed very fiercely, scoring 5 goals in 7 rounds and scoring 12 points!
But their hopes of defeating the Trojans in one fell swoop came to nothing.
The Trojans also scored 6 points during this time!
The opponent struck twice, and Granville seized the opportunity to counterattack and gave Li Ao an alley-oop assist; Granville broke through and made a small floater; Li Ao grabbed the offensive rebound and passed it to the other side of the basket. Shelby Jordan was ignored, and the latter caught the ball and hit a layup without wasting the opportunity.
The score difference was still within double digits. When the Trojans called timeout, the score was 53 to 61, 8 points behind the Spartans!
Henry Bibby replaced Sandy Fletcher, Li Ao moved to the back line, and White Mamba came on after a period of rest!
After the timeout, Bai Mamba responded to Li Ao's point shot and scored a three-pointer, helping the team chase the point difference to 5 points!
When it comes to the Spartans' offense, they have launched attacks from the inside in the past two rounds. This time it is Charlie Bell's turn.
Facing Li Ao's defense, Charlie Bell knew why Maurice Peterson was so violent and cursed during halftime.
He originally thought that Li Ao's many small tricks had angered Morris Peterson, but now he realized that it was much more than that.
This guy is about the same speed as him, a little faster than Martin Cleaves and Jason Richardson, but the confrontation is better than what he felt during one-on-one training with Maurice Peterson. Even stronger!
Li Ao's 'Heavy Pressure Level 2' is triggered. Facing Charlie Bell, who is smaller than him in height and weight, his speed is +3 and his strength is +3.
The speed and strength of Li Ao that Charlie Bell encountered were even stronger than those that Morris Peterson encountered!
Due to Maurice Peterson's poor performance of 2 of 7 shots in the first half, Li Ao's "heavy pressure level 2" increased pressure had an effect on Charlie Bell.
Charlie Bell was not confident when he broke through, causing the rhythm of the breakthrough to be messed up. He was forced to stop on the right side of the three-second zone by Li Ao!
At this time, Maurice Peterson went around the top arc to receive the ball, and Charlie Bell quickly passed the ball over. He did not see Martin Cleaves pressing Granville to press the ball from the right sideline.
Maurice Peterson didn't break through after receiving the ball, but turned around, pulled it up and threw it!
With a "bang" sound, Morris Peterson sent the 6th iron tonight!
Evanisco was stuck in position, and Li Ao collected the defensive rebound!
Unfortunately, Evanisco's next close-range shot from the baseline missed, and the Trojans failed to continue to close the gap.
But Li Ao encouraged Evanisco to continue shooting if he had the opportunity, and not to have any psychological pressure. This moved Evanisco extremely, and he became even more desperate on the defensive end.
As the second half progressed, the situation became tense.
The main reason is that the Spartans' offensive firepower has declined significantly compared to the 12-point surge in 7 rounds.
But the Trojans couldn't do it even if they wanted to take the lead in one fell swoop.
The powerful personal abilities of the five major players are still an insurmountable mountain.
Even Maurice Peterson, who shot 2-for-8, could still hold Shelby Jordan down.
This is the absolute focus of the Trojans' defense, not allowing Maurice Peterson to have any chance of rising up.
But the Trojans also have an advantage that drives the Spartans crazy - depth!
Tom Izzo didn't dare to send in the eighth player tonight. Compared with the 7-man main force, although 3 of the 5 players at the end of the bench are among the top 100 high school students in the United States, their goal this year is to take advantage of their junior year. The four top five starters are at their best, fighting for the championship, and cultivating newcomers. Only the talented Jason Richardson and Arushian Anagonye are given the opportunity to practice. Those three 98 The top 100 high school students in the United States in 2000 and 1999 did not play much playing time in the division stage.
After failing to defeat the Trojans directly at the beginning of the second half, Tom Izzo already felt something was wrong and now he is even more afraid to rotate easily.
As for Henry Bibby, when it's time to make a substitution, make a substitution. If you have someone available, you have the confidence!
The lines continued to lengthen and the Trojans began to take the initiative.
Halfway through the second half, Henry Bibby discovered that AJ Granger was leaving the three-second zone less and less when the opponent was defending. Of course, this was due to the Trojans' declining outside shooting percentage, but he judged that the most important thing was AJ Granger. Granger's physical strength has declined!
The Spartans have a center who is 211 centimeters tall, Adam Ballinger, ranked 34th among high school students in the United States in 1999, but he didn't play for a second tonight, except for Arushian Anagonye who played for a few minutes. Center, AJ Granger has been playing.
Henry Bibby called a timeout and decisively replaced Sam Clancy!
The surprise troops are dispatched!
After returning from the timeout, Sam Clancy, who had just come on the field, made a contribution. He used the White Mamba to cut in and received a pass from Li Ao. He took two steps in a row and jumped towards AJ Granger. During the confrontation, he was separated by AJ. -Granger smashed the ball into the basket!
"Sam...Sam...Sam"
The fans at the scene shouted Sam Clancy's name crazily.
Sam Clancy, who only got a chance to play at this time, didn't have any negative emotions. His teammates played well!
But, finally, the shouts of tens of thousands of fans finally belonged to him!
(End of chapter)
