Chapter 47 Halftime Adjustments

NCAA games are divided into two halves, with a 15-minute halftime break.

After the first half ended, both teams returned to their respective locker rooms to rest.

Calhoun also summarized the team's performance in the first half and the points to pay attention to in the second half in the locker room.

"Our first half was excellent. Keep up this intensity of defense. The opponent is clearly not adapting."

"But this is their home court, they definitely won't give up easily, so we must continue to stay focused in the second half."

…

"Kemba, if there's an opportunity on the outside in the second half, you can choose to pass."

Calhoun said, suddenly speaking to Walker alone.

Tang Tian's defensive performance after coming on in the first half had already satisfied him enough, but he still had some expectations for Tang Tian's outside performance.

It's just that this expectation was only his personal one, so he didn't say it very clearly, and with Tang Tian's current position in the team, it was impossible for him to design tactics specifically for him.

Walker wiped his sweat and nodded. He scored a lot in the first half, but he also expended a lot of energy.

With a little over five minutes left before the start of the second half, Calhoun let the players rest for a bit, and he and Ollie went out first.

Seeing that both coaches had left, Tang Tian got up and sat down next to Walker.

"Kemba, you were in such good form in the first half, the other side will definitely double-team you to death when we come back. Even if they don't go that far, they'll at least have Klay come to defend you one-on-one, remember to pass the ball out more." Tang Tian said to Walker.

He didn't say it loudly, but Lamb and Napier next to him heard it.

They both looked at Tang Tian in confusion, wondering why he was repeating what Calhoun had already said.

"I understand." To their surprise, Walker nodded seriously.

The people next to him didn't feel anything, but the person involved, Walker, felt completely different hearing the two of them say it.

Calhoun just told him to pass more when he had the chance, but Tang Tian was talking about the opponent's possible tactical adjustments, telling him to be prepared in advance.

This was the same principle as when Ollie yelled at Oriakhi. Tang Tian's coaching level in his previous life was higher than Calhoun and Ollie, so he naturally knew how to make the players understand and accept things most quickly.

"Also, Alex, stop coming up high to screen, let Olander do that. Your height is an advantage in the paint. If we don't make our shots, go get offensive rebounds." Tang Tian said to Oriakhi.

Oriakhi nodded directly. Tang Tian's tips to him when they played Marquette University had benefited him greatly.

At this moment, Lamb and Napier looked at Tang Tian in shock.

Walker and Tang Tian had a good relationship, and Tang Tian was just giving some reminders, so they could understand Walker accepting it.

But Oriakhi was also a sophomore! Tang Tian's tone was almost like a coach, and Oriakhi wasn't surprised at all, he didn't even hesitate before nodding directly?

"What? Is there something on my face?" Tang Tian touched his face when he saw their expressions.

"No." Lamb and Napier smiled awkwardly, then turned their heads away.

When the second half break ended, the starting players of both teams continued to take the court. For UConn, Tang Tian was still not in the starting lineup.

Washington State University started the second half on offense. Thompson was still running off-ball, and UConn's Smith was trying hard to keep up, with his teammates actively helping him with the help defense.

But just as UConn's attention was focused on Thompson, the guard suddenly passed the ball into the paint. Taking advantage of the fact that Oriakhi was screened away, their center shot directly in the paint and scored.

The home team took the lead as soon as the second half began.

The point difference was reduced to 11 points.

Tang Tian turned his head and glanced at the opposing team's bench. This coach named Benna, he talked a bit big before the game, but his level was not bad.

Although Thompson's shooting touch was affected by Tang Tian's defense in the first half, no one dared to underestimate him. Benna was using this to attract the defense and then create scoring opportunities for other spots. Once UConn was distracted to defend other spots, Thompson could also run out of an opportunity to shoot directly.

This was equivalent to adjusting the tactics based on the first half, turning the offense from a single point into a system.

UConn's offense, Walker with the ball.

As Tang Tian said, Washington State University also made adjustments on the defensive end, directly having Thompson guard Walker.

Star-on-star matchups aren't common in basketball, especially in NCAA. A team's star shoulders the team's scoring responsibility, and if they also defend the opponent's star, they'll definitely be exhausted physically.

Lamb and Napier looked back at Tang Tian at this time, the shocked expressions in their eyes even greater.

Tang Tian had predicted the opponent's adjustments!

Walker continuously changed direction to break through Thompson, his speed was faster than Thompson's.

However, his continuous breakthroughs didn't create any easy scoring opportunities.

Thompson's defense was surprisingly good.

Benna showed a smug smile at this time.

Most people only saw Thompson's performance on the offensive end, but ignored his deterrent force on the defensive end.

If he really put his heart into defense, Thompson's defense wasn't much worse than that Tang Tian on the other side!

Walker's final layup was interfered with by Thompson and missed the rim, and Thompson also got the rebound.

A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd.

This offense and defense at the start of the second half gave the home team hope of winning again.

Washington State University's offense, the same tactic. This time it was their guard, suddenly holding the ball and driving into the paint to score a layup.

The point difference was reduced to 9 points.

Calhoun got up and walked to the sideline, reminding the players to pay attention to guarding the other players.

His reaction wasn't too slow.

UConn's offense, Walker's dribble continued to be guarded by Thompson.

Because it wasn't a double-team, Walker wanted to pass the ball but his teammates didn't have any opportunities. This time he chose a step-back jump shot after changing direction.

But Thompson's height was 2.01 meters, and he still provided enough interference after jumping.

"Clang!"

Walker missed two shots in a row since the start of the second half.

But at this moment, Oriakhi under the basket pressed against Washington State University's center to grab the offensive rebound, and then passed it to Walker.

This second chance offense caught Thompson by surprise, and he didn't have time to get back on defense.

Walker made a close-range floater.

The point difference was widened back to 11 points.

Benna's smug expression froze. This offensive rebound was clearly unexpected.

And at this time, on UConn's bench, Lamb and Napier were looking at Tang Tian with a ghostly expression.

Oriakhi going for the offensive rebound was also what Tang Tian had told them to do during halftime.

Did Tang Tian have the ability to predict the future?!