"Why choose UConn as the opponent?" the reporter continued.

UConn's current state was only so-so, and Bena's previous words seemed more like trying to save face. The reporter's question had a hidden meaning.

"We need this kind of opportunity. We want to prove our team's strength. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to showcase the strength of the Pac-10 Conference." Bena's answer was airtight, and he had obviously prepared well before the game.

"Do you think the team has a good chance of winning tonight?" the reporter continued to ask.

"Of course, although the opponent is very strong, we are just as good. We have the best shooting guard, Klay Thompson." Bena's face was full of pride when he mentioned Thompson.

"Yes, Klay is a great scorer, but as far as I know, Connecticut has recently produced a newcomer with particularly outstanding defense. Players like Jimmy Butler and Dion Waiters have been completely restricted by him," the reporter reminded.

"I know, Tang Tian. His defense is excellent, but we have prepared countermeasures. He cannot stop Klay's performance, and we also know that he has obvious weaknesses," Bena said confidently.

"You mean he hasn't scored yet?" the reporter asked tentatively.

"You see, you already know. It's not a secret," Bena said with a smile.

The reporter smiled knowingly.

The interview was short. When this wave ended, a long whistle came from the sidelines, and the players from both teams returned to their respective halves.

The game was about to begin, and the drums and cheers at the scene erupted, with the decibels being twice as loud as UConn's home court.

Playing in such a high-pressure environment would really be a bit unbearable for most people's hearts.

The starters from both teams took the field one after another.

For Washington State University, Thompson was the center of attention, while for UConn, Walker was the undisputed leader.

Tang Tian didn't start. He was still on the bench, but unlike before, he was now almost next to an open spot, making him the player with the earliest rotation order in the team.

"Toot!"

As the referee's whistle sounded, the ball was thrown into the air, and the game officially began!

Oriakhi outjumped his opponent, giving UConn the opportunity to attack first.

"Defense! Defense!"

The DJ started leading the audience to shout from the beginning, and the huge shouts made people's eardrums hurt a little.

Walker held the ball, and Washington State University directly set up a 2-3 zone defense.

Zone defense is when players on the court don't defend against specific individuals, but only against areas, each responsible for their own defensive area, and then unite to form a half-court defense.

Depending on the defensive focus, zone defense is further divided into 2-3, 3-2, 2-2-1, 2-1-2, etc.

Because the NCAA doesn't have a defensive three-second rule, many teams use zone defense in games.

The reason why Washington State University has been able to rise rapidly this season, in addition to Thompson's outstanding performance on the offensive end, a well-executed zone defense is also a very important reason.

The 2-3 zone defense they set up at this time focused on interior defense.

The key to breaking the zone defense is pick-and-roll. Walker waved, and Oriakhi quickly moved to the three-point line to set a screen.

Walker broke through to the high post with the help of the screen, but the help defense quickly arrived.

It can be seen that Washington State University's zone defense is not static, but full of flexibility.

However, Walker's ability is indeed among the top in the NCAA. He flicked the ball through the wall of people and passed it to Lamb on the outside.

Lamb had an open three-point opportunity, and he directly chose to shoot.

"Clang!"

The shot was a bit off, and the basketball eventually bounced off the rim.

Lamb has a three-pointer, but it is obvious that his three-pointer is not stable.

Washington State University controlled the rebound. After the guard dribbled the ball to the frontcourt, he directly called for a tactical move.

Thompson began to run off the ball around various screens.

Washington State University's inside players are not tall, but their moving speed is fast enough. After a few screens, UConn's defense was obviously a bit unable to keep up.

Thompson had a chance at the forty-five-degree angle on the right, and the guard passed the ball at the first time.

Thompson shot directly after receiving the ball.

Squat, jump, straight arm, flick wrist.

Thompson's shot was quite smooth, like a textbook.

And the shooting speed was very fast, and UConn's help defense couldn't make it in time at all.

"Swish!"

The basketball went directly into the net.

Washington State University took the lead!

Cheers erupted at the scene instantly.

This is their beloved Klay Thompson, who unleashes a barrage of three-pointers every night, making his opponents' scalps tingle.

The first shot of the game was a swish, it seems that his touch tonight is quite excellent.

Back on the defensive end, Washington State University continued to play the 2-3 zone defense. It seems that Bena was sure that UConn's outside three-pointers were not good.

Walker's breakthrough with Oriakhi's pick-and-roll continued to encounter help defense. He passed the ball to Smith in the open space, and Smith shot another three-pointer after receiving the ball.

"Clang!"

Still a miss.

UConn missed two consecutive open three-pointers at the start!

Calhoun's face looked a little ugly at this time.

UConn's method of breaking the zone defense was not a problem at all, but the problem was that they couldn't make open shots. Even the top coaches were helpless about this.

Washington State University grabbed another defensive rebound and attacked to the frontcourt with almost the same tactics.

UConn's help defense had already followed very well, but Oriakhi's moving speed was still a bit slow, and Thompson got an opportunity at the corner.

Washington State University's attention was all on Thompson, and the guard passed the ball at the first time.

This time the opportunity was not as good as the last time. Thompson received the ball, and Oriakhi tried his best to make a defensive effort.

However, Thompson was obviously more than just a spot-up shooter. After receiving the ball, he faked a shot, tricked Oriakhi into flying, took a step to the side, and then shot again.

The ball flew and drew an arc, and the trajectory was very straight.

"Swish!"

Another crisp sound echoed in the stadium.

Thompson's second three-point attempt, still in!

He made two three-pointers in a row at the start!

His touch was red hot!

Thompson was also a little excited after scoring. He stretched out his hand and made a three-point gesture during the return defense.

The cheers at the scene erupted again, and the momentum became even more amazing.

A dunk can detonate the scene, and consecutive three-pointers can do the same!

In UConn's offense, Walker suddenly accelerated after a pick-and-roll this time, squeezed past the defense, and then stopped suddenly to shoot.

Washington State University players tried their best to defend.

"Clang!"

This shot was too difficult, and the ball hit the back of the rim and bounced high.

UConn's offense, still no score!

The cheers at the scene continued.

Washington State University grabbed the rebound and directly launched a fast break. It was Thompson again. He received a pass from his teammate in the frontcourt and chose a direct pull-up three-pointer against Smith's defense!

Smith's defense was completely in place for this shot. Thompson was shooting with confidence, a strong shot against the defense!

The ball crossed Smith's defense and drew a spinning arc in the air.

"Swish!"

Still in!

Thompson made three three-pointers in a row at the start!

The scene was completely blown up.

This is a three-point machine!