Capítulo 53: Momentum Swing: USC's Determined Comeback
The University of Southern California was caught off guard by the University of Michigan's strong play, especially struggling to contain Draymond Green's offense. Despite this, USC's substitutes fought hard, preventing Michigan State from quickly increasing their lead.
Watching from the sidelines, USC's main players clenched their fists in solidarity with their bench, recognizing the crucial role of their substitutes in buying time and staying competitive. This unity and determination among the team members reflected their shared aspiration for excellence and the highest honors in a critical year.
Vucevic, observing from the bench, appeared somewhat lost in thought. Lian Dao, noticing his teammate's demeanor, approached him with assurance, giving Vucevic a supportive pat on the shoulder. "Trust us, we will win," Lian Dao affirmed, and the two teammates exchanged a firm fist bump, renewing their resolve.
Despite USC's bench not matching Michigan State's depth, they faced a daunting 13-point deficit within the first nine minutes. Coach Tim's timeout signaled a strategic shift, emphasizing aggressive screening and quick three-point shooting to swiftly narrow the gap while stepping up defensive efforts.
"As soon as you catch the ball, shoot a three-pointer," Coach Tim instructed. "We'll recover the score quickly!"
"Defend, pay attention to the rhythm, don't play a fast break with them! Waste time!" Tom Izzo shouted from the sidelines, addressing his team's strategy adjustments.
As USC's main lineup returned to the court, Lian Dao took charge, maneuvering through screens to secure an open shot from beyond the arc. "Clear out!" Lian Dao called out, positioning himself for a clean look at the basket.
"Got it!" Gibson responded, setting a solid screen to free Lian Dao for the shot.
The crowd erupted as Lian Dao's shot hit nothing but net, bringing USC within striking distance. His accuracy was evident as he sank consecutive three-pointers, injecting momentum back into USC's game.
On defense, USC intensified their pressure, exemplified by DeMar's crucial steal from Chris Allen leading to another quick basket by Lian Dao. "Push it!" DeMar shouted, passing the ball swiftly to Lian Dao.
"Here we go!" Lian Dao exclaimed, dribbling down the court with determination.
Draymond Green, however, continued to pose challenges for USC, scoring effectively for Michigan State. Undeterred, USC capitalized on their speed advantage, pushing the tempo to exploit Michigan State's slower transitions. Lian Dao's ability to outrun defenders and hit shots from long range further fueled USC's resurgence.
With a series of fast breaks and strategic plays, USC mounted a 9:2 run, significantly closing the gap to 68:74. Tom Izzo, sensing the shift in momentum, urged his team to tighten their defense and control the tempo, wary of USC's ability to capitalize on fast breaks.
"Defense, tighten up!" Tom Izzo yelled, gesturing to his players to focus on their defensive assignments.
Recognizing USC's strategic advantage in speed and defensive prowess, Tom Izzo adjusted Michigan State's approach to counter USC's fast-paced style. Despite their efforts to slow the game down and play a positional battle, USC's defensive resilience and strategic acumen posed a formidable challenge.
Southern California's determination to execute their game plan with discipline and defensive intensity underscored their readiness to compete at the highest level. "Stay focused, keep the pressure on!" Coach Tim reminded his team during a break.
Unlike the high-scoring, fast-paced Suns, USC demonstrated a more methodical yet effective approach reminiscent of the Spurs' defensive strategies. "Dig deep, this is our moment!" Lian Dao encouraged his teammates, rallying them for the final push.
As the game progressed, USC's resolve to play smart, disciplined basketball highlighted their readiness to confront Michigan State's challenges head-on.
In the ensuing play, Draymond Green's teammates' screen failed to impede Lian Dao , allowing him to swat away Green's attempted mid-range shot. Controlling the ball after the block, Lian Dao sprinted down the court with Green trying to slow him down. Despite Green's efforts to impede him, Lian Dao suddenly decelerated at the three-point line, executed a quick dribble move, and stepped back for a clean shot.
Green, caught off guard by the sudden change in pace, leaped to contest the shot, but his reaction lagged behind. On the big screen replay, it seemed Green's legs tangled awkwardly as he fell to the floor, unable to recover in time to stop Lian Dao's shot.
The crowd was stunned, their reactions ranging from gasps to wide-eyed amazement. Lian Dao's skillful maneuver left everyone in awe, demonstrating agility and finesse uncommon for a player of his height and build.
"Is this what a forward can do?" murmured the commentator in disbelief, echoing the sentiment of the crowd. The stadium erupted in applause, acknowledging the exceptional display of talent.
Meanwhile, a scout in the stands hastily jotted down notes, recognizing Lian Dao's potential as a game-changing player. "Incredible talent," he noted, envisioning Lian Dao as a future cornerstone for any team.
Draymond Green, realizing he had unintentionally become part of Lian Dao's highlight-reel play, couldn't hide his frustration, his expression darkening even further. Fortunately, his complexion, already dark, disguised his annoyance.
With the score now 71:74, USC trailed by just three points with two minutes left on the clock—a tense and crucial moment in the game.
Draymond Green demanded the ball as Michigan State brought it up the court, visibly agitated and determined to redeem himself after Lian Dao's earlier highlight. Taking a triple-threat stance beyond the arc, Green eyed Lian Dao, who cautiously retreated as Green prepared to shoot.
As Green released the three-pointer, Lian Dao leaped up vigorously, extending his hand to disrupt the shot. Green, already in mid-air, regretted his decision upon seeing Lian Dao's challenging defense, but it was too late to adjust his shot's trajectory.
Seeing the ball's trajectory, Lian Dao knew it was off-target. Likewise, Green anticipated a miss and moved to position himself for a potential rebound. However, Lian Dao blocked his path, and both players shouted simultaneously, "Rebound!"
In a display of agility, Gibson outmaneuvered Golan Sutton, soaring above him to secure the rebound. Spotting Lian Dao's sprint down the court, Gibson swiftly passed to DeMar, who immediately relayed the ball to Lian Dao near the Michigan State logo, three meters behind the arc.
Surveying the defense packed near the three-point line, Lian Dao made a bold decision. From well beyond the logo, he launched a super-long three-pointer, sending a hush over the arena as the ball sailed through the air. Tim clenched his fist, his heart racing as he watched, while Tom Izzo anxiously followed the ball's flight path, hoping for a different outcome.
With a mix of tension and anticipation, spectators held their breath. The ball descended, swishing cleanly through the hoop and netting USC three crucial points. The stadium erupted in cheers as the scoreboard displayed 74:74, USC tying the score with a remarkable long-range shot from Lian Dao.
In the tense final moments, both teams braced for a thrilling conclusion, knowing the next moves would determine the game's outcome.
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