Chương 69: The Semifinal Showdown Begins
Due to the lack of suspense in the University of North Carolina Tar Heels versus Villanova Wildcats game, many fans eagerly anticipated the matchup between the University of Connecticut Huskies and USC Trojans. While the media and fans leaned towards UConn as the favorite, USC had demonstrated strong performance throughout the season, making the game highly anticipated.
This heightened interest led to skyrocketing ratings for TNT ahead of the USC versus UConn game. However, there was a major setback on the domestic broadcasting platform as the server crashed. Fans were understandably frustrated, but the network swiftly mobilized all available servers to restore the broadcast amidst the outcry.
Still, for those watching, the repeated delays and interruptions caused considerable anxiety, as they anxiously waited for the broadcast to resume and the game to unfold.
...
In the player tunnel, USC's players emerged one by one.
Lian Dao, DeMar, and Gibson walked out together, their pace deliberate, evoking the aura of protagonists stepping onto the scene in a movie.
Recently dubbed by fans as the "Southern California Trident," the trio moved in unison towards the roaring arena. With 80,000 spectators filling every seat, the atmosphere was electrifying. Fans waved flags and erupted into cheers, heightening the anticipation for the upcoming clash.
The stage was set for Southern California versus UConn, with the tension palpable as the game was about to begin!
During the live broadcast, Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy were already settled in the commentary booth, ready to analyze the game unfolding before them.
Barkley lost out to these two in the previous draw
"Jeff, who do you think is most likely to win tonight's game?" Mike Breen started off., prompting Jeff Van Gundy, whose insights were honed not just from broadcasting but also from his previous stint as an NBA head coach.
"Hashim is going to be contained by USC, and USC will win this game," Jeff Van Gundy asserted confidently, drawing from his deep understanding of both teams.
As the players warmed up on the court, Jeff's commentary delved into tactical nuances and player matchups. His coaching background gave his analysis a depth that professional commentators often lacked.
"Hashim's weaknesses are clear, and USC has the player who can exploit them," Jeff explained, emphasizing USC's strategic advantage. "Sickle will likely be tasked with defending Hashim. Sickle's defensive prowess, coupled with Hashim's declining strength and flexibility, tips the scales in USC's favor."
Mike Breen, intrigued by Jeff's perspective, pressed further, "But UConn has been unstoppable so far. Can they not find a way to win?"
Jeff responded, "If UConn's perimeter players can relieve some pressure off Hashim, they still have a chance. But if USC shuts down their outside game, it could collapse UConn's overall defense strategy."
The dynamics of the game were set: USC's strategy to exploit Hashim's vulnerabilities versus UConn's reliance on perimeter shooting to counterbalance their inside play. As the game approached tip-off, the anticipation among fans only intensified, awaiting the clash between Southern California and UConn!
During their analysis, the live camera panned across the arena, capturing the faces of notable UConn alumni, with Ray Allen and Emeka Okafor prominently featured.
The camera lingered longest on Ray Allen, who smiled and waved to the audience, sporting a baseball cap—a gesture that drew cheers from the crowd. Ray Allen, celebrated for his exceptional three-point shooting during his college years, still held UConn's record for most three-pointers in a season, a mark he set during his junior year and one that remained unbroken.
In contrast, USC boasted its own sharpshooter in Lian Dao, who had surpassed even Ray Allen's collegiate three-point record in a single season. The anticipation was palpable as fans wondered how UConn planned to contain Lian Dao's lethal shooting prowess.
Meanwhile, Nick Young, another notable USC alum known for his scoring ability, was absent from the game due to prior commitments. The team's chemistry, without some of its star alumni, was a point of speculation among viewers.
As the camera continued its sweep, it unexpectedly caught sight of a familiar face in the crowd: a young female fan with a striking appearance and a USC No. 1 jersey adorned with signatures still in progress. This fan turned out to be Abby Hornacek, daughter of former NBA player and coach Jeff Hornacek.
Despite being only 15 years old, Abby possessed a mature demeanor and a figure that belied her age. Seated next to her father, Jeff Hornacek, their closeness was evident in their relaxed and familiar expressions.
Abby seemed to notice Lian Dao's presence and glanced in his direction, prompting Lian Dao to quickly redirect his focus to warming up, concentrating intensely on the task at hand.
Jeff Hornacek, a former NBA player renowned for his sharpshooting skills, retired from professional basketball in 2000 and currently serves as a shooting coach for the Utah Jazz. Throughout his career, Hornacek excelled in three-point shooting, winning the NBA All-Star three-point contest twice.
During his tenure with the Utah Jazz, Hornacek, alongside legends like Karl Malone and John Stockton, reached the NBA Finals twice, challenging the dominance of the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan. Despite their efforts, the Jazz fell short both times, highlighting the formidable competition they faced.
The allure of NCAA basketball attracts a diverse array of supporters to games, including NBA players, business leaders, and other alumni eager to cheer for their alma maters. These celebrities, like any other fans, passionately support their schools during games.
As the camera returned to the field, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as the opening ceremony was set to commence. The starting lineups for both teams were announced:
UConn Huskies: AJ Price, Craig Osterley, Jerome Dyson, Jeff Adrian and Hashem Thabeet
USC Trojans: Daniel Hackett, DeMar DeRozan, Lian Dao, Taj Gibson and Nikola Vucevic
With the stage set and the players ready, the showdown between the UConn Huskies and the USC Trojans was about to begin, promising a thrilling NCAA semifinal matchup.
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