บท 43: The Madness Begins
"March Madness" stands as a pinnacle event in American basketball, often overshadowing even the NBA in popularity. Its single-elimination format ensures each game brims with suspense and unpredictability, minimizing the influence of predictions.
This equitable competition system draws a fervent fan base, with basketball enthusiasts eagerly aligning themselves with their favorite collegiate teams. In the United States of America and beyond, gambling companies seize on this excitement with sections like "Crazy March," enticing fans to place bets on the tournament's outcomes.
Yet, "March Madness" isn't without its pitfalls. Its penchant for upsets means that many fans experience the heartache of seeing their favored teams fall short against unexpected challengers. Despite the risks, the tournament's allure lies in its ability to showcase the best of college basketball, delivering unforgettable moments of drama and triumph that captivate audiences nationwide.
On Friday, March 19th, the NCAA Tournament kicked off with the 64 teams battling to make it to the round of 32. The Midwest and Eastern Divisions were set to start their games on the 20th, while the Southern and Western Divisions began their matches today.
USC had already arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to prepare for their matchup against the Robert Morris Colonials. The game was scheduled to be played at the Hubert Humphrey Dome, chosen by the NCAA committee to ensure fairness by avoiding any team's home court advantage.
After arriving in Minnesota, Lian Dao and DeMar DeRozan opted to stay indoors. The harsh winter weather, with temperatures plummeting to -5 to -6 degrees Celsius, deterred them from exploring or seeking additional training sessions. Instead, they focused on resting and ensuring they were in peak physical condition for the upcoming game.
On the morning of the 19th, the two players got out of bed and turned on the TV. DeMar suggested watching the University of Connecticut Huskies' game, and Lian Dao agreed. Both teams had historically reached the national semi-finals, making them potential future opponents if USC advanced.
The UConn Huskies were a formidable team this year, with three of their five starters projected to enter the NBA through the draft: A.J. Price, Hashim Thabeet, and Kemba Walker. Thabeet was expected to be picked second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, while Walker would later be drafted ninth by the Charlotte Bobcats, becoming their star point guard.
The University of Connecticut had a rich basketball heritage, producing several NBA stars, including Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams, Ben Gordon, and Emeka Okafor. Their team was known for its strong tactical play and talented roster.
In the game against the Chattanooga Mocks, UConn was heavily favored, and the outcome was almost a foregone conclusion. Lian Dao and DeMar were particularly interested in observing Hashim Thabeet and Kemba Walker, understanding that they could face these players in future rounds if USC advanced.
Before the start of the game, Lian Dao and DeMar DeRozan had prepared a variety of snacks and food yesterday afternoon, ensuring they were ready to settle in and analyze today's match.
Watching the game, they quickly noticed Hashim Thabeet's strong defensive presence in the interior. Standing at 2.21 meters, Thabeet dominated the paint, making it nearly impossible for the Chattanooga Mocks to succeed with layups. His height and rebounding skills were significant assets, but his offensive game left much to be desired. Lian Dao observed that Thabeet's slender build relied heavily on flexibility and height. This could be a disadvantage against powerful centers who could overpower him.
Kemba Walker, on the other hand, showcased his offensive prowess as a freshman. His explosiveness and agility made him almost unstoppable when driving to the basket. Walker's combination of speed, footwork, and aggression allowed him to score from anywhere on the court. His ability to use step-backs, direction changes, and fakes to create shooting space was impressive. Additionally, Walker demonstrated excellent passing and organizational skills, making him a dual threat.
Compared to Thabeet, Lian Dao was more concerned about Kemba Walker. While Lian Dao could rely on his strength to compete against Thabeet despite the height difference, Walker's skill set posed a more complex challenge. Lian Dao turned his attention to DeMar, who watched Walker's every move on the screen with intense focus.
DeMar's defense could match Walker's offensive skills, and he might even be better defensively. However, Walker's offensive diversity, including his three-point shooting, gave him an edge over DeMar. Conversely, DeMar excelled in mid-range shots and driving to the basket, areas where he had an advantage over Walker.
As the game concluded, the University of Connecticut delivered a resounding victory, defeating the Chattanooga Mocks 103-47.
Lian Dao adjusted the remote control to switch to the Southern Division. The screen now displayed the game between the 12th-seeded Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the 5th-seeded Illinois State Redbirds. To their surprise, the Hilltoppers managed an impressive upset, defeating the Redbirds 84-71.
The first day of the NCAA Tournament had already delivered a significant upset, with a No. 12 seed triumphing over a No. 5 seed. This reinforced the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
As Lian Dao and DeMar took in the score, they exchanged glances. The upset served as a stark reminder of the tournament's volatility. It underscored the importance of maintaining the right mentality and never underestimating an opponent. They realized that March Madness was not just a test of skill and strategy but also of mental resilience and preparation.
With this new understanding, Lian Dao and DeMar knew they had to stay focused and keep their composure throughout the tournament. They needed to be prepared for anything and everything that March Madness could throw at them.
The next day, the USC team woke up and started their morning with some basic training to keep their bodies in peak condition. By the afternoon, their bus was ready to take them to the Hubert Humphrey Arena for their 4 PM game.
Despite arriving more than two hours early, the area outside the Hubert Humphrey Arena was already bustling with fans. The arena, capable of accommodating 50,000 to 60,000 people, seemed to be overflowing. Many fans who couldn't secure tickets were gathered outside, eager to watch the broadcast on the big screen and support their team from there.
As the USC bus made its way through the crowd, the sea of red-clad fans cheering for their team filled the players with a sense of pride and excitement. Many had traveled from Southern California to cheer on the Trojans, showing their unwavering support by shouting the names of Lian Dao, DeMar, Gibson, and other players.
Inside the locker room, head coach Tim didn't need to say much. He simply extended his hand, and the entire team followed suit, placing their hands together. With a unified and determined shout, they roared, "Trojans!"
The collective energy and enthusiasm of their fans were palpable, providing an extra boost of motivation as they prepared to take on the Robert Morris Colonials. This shared moment of unity and focus set the tone for the upcoming game, reminding the players that they were not just playing for themselves but for everyone who believed in them.
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