章節 33: March Madness, Here We Come!
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"Welcome to the SEC Cable TV station for the Horizon League playoff finals between the Butler University Bulldogs and Indiana State University Sycamores."
"Indiana State has always been a powerhouse in the Horizon League and a regular participant in March Madness. However, Butler University has emerged as a dark horse this season under the leadership of Coach Liam, holding the top spot in the Horizon League and dominating the playoffs. They've caught everyone's attention as the surprise contender."
"The winner of this game will advance directly to the round of 64 in the NCAA tournament. This game is crucial for both teams!"
"We are honored to have NBA legend and Indiana State star Larry Bird as our guest commentator. Mr. Bird, please say hello to everyone," announced Kevin Haywood, the sports commentator for SEC Cable TV, enthusiastically.
"Hello, everyone, I'm Larry Bird," Larry Bird greeted in his unmistakable voice.
"Mr. Bird, it's a great honor to have you here. You rarely comment on games these days. May I ask, why did you decide to commentate on this game?" Kevin Haywood asked curiously.
"I promised a friend I would come watch a Butler game, so I accepted SEC's invitation," Larry Bird replied with a smile.
"So, Mr. Bird, what are your thoughts on this game?" Kevin Haywood asked, diving straight to the point.
"Emotionally, of course, I want Indiana State to win, and I'd love to see my jersey hanging in the Hulman Center," Larry Bird said with a grin.
"So, does Indiana State have a better chance of winning?" Kevin Haywood immediately followed up.
"No, intellectually, I think Butler has a better chance of winning this game," Larry Bird said, shaking his head.
"I watched Indiana State's opening game against Butler, and Butler won that game convincingly. They have also shown great dominance throughout the regular season.
"You know, Butler's core player Stephen Curry is only a freshman. After a season of development, he's only going to get stronger. And while Coach Liam is young, his coaching talent is undeniable."
"So, does Indiana State have no chance of winning this game?" Kevin Haywood continued to probe.
"It's not impossible, but the chances are slim. Unless Curry suddenly loses his shooting touch or Coach Liam makes some bizarre tactical decisions, Indiana State has little chance of winning," Larry Bird said bluntly.
"Alright, thank you, Mr. Bird, for your analysis. Now, we'll take a commercial break..."
In the home team's locker room, Coach Liam and the Bulldogs players were unaware that Larry Bird would be commentating on the game or that the legendary superstar was so optimistic about them.
However, their confidence was undiminished. Facing an opponent they had already defeated, the players never doubted that they would win.
The atmosphere in the locker room was very relaxed. The players were laughing and joking with each other, and the coaching staff was chatting with smiles on their faces. Liam and Stevens were holding the tactical board, making final adjustments to their game plans.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
After Liam and Stevens finished their discussion, Liam clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. He cleared his throat and said loudly:
"We're only one step away from March Madness. If we win this game, we'll be one of the top 64 teams in the country."
"If we lose, we'll have to rely on the 'masters' on the selection committee. And based on Butler's past record, I don't think those guys will give us a wild card, because, in their eyes, Indiana might as well not have a university."
The players burst into laughter. The NCAA committee has always been a subject of ridicule among Indiana schools.
Although the committee's headquarters is in Indiana, they never seem to favor local schools, and the schools within the state hold little affection for them.
Liam paused and continued:
"I remember asking you guys on my first day if you wanted to go to March Madness, and I'm going to ask you again: do you want to go to March Madness?"
"Yes!" the team members shouted in unison.
"Then go and win this game and show me your determination. I kept my promise and led you to the finals. Now it's your turn. Go and fight. Win a championship trophy for the fans who have always supported you. In front of your rival, go into March Madness with your head held high!"
Liam waved his hand with intensity, and team captain AJ Graves took the lead, shouting:
"Bulldogs, win!"
"Bulldogs, win!" the other players responded loudly. The locker room was filled with powerful shouts, which even echoed faintly outside the door and into the player tunnel.
Stevens opened the locker room door at the right moment and waved his hand outside, and the players rushed out of the locker room, filled with energy.
Liam was the last to leave and walked towards the court with Stevens.
"At the beginning of the season, I really didn't expect to be in the finals," Stevens lamented.
Liam squinted at him:
"What do you mean? The school board has a strict requirement to enter the top 16. Are you so eager for me to be fired?"
"Not at all, but it almost feels like a dream seeing that you're so young and have the potential to lead the team into March Madness," Stevens said with a smile.
"Then you'd better keep dreaming," Liam said.
"How long should I keep dreaming?"
"Until we become national champions."
The two chatted and laughed as they came to the arena. Liam approached the technical table and shook hands with McKenna.
"Long time no see, Coach McKenna."
This time, McKenna did not underestimate Liam as he did in their opening match. He emphasized with a serious expression:
"Don't think you're going to win!"
"...Okay, I'll be careful," Liam replied, recognizing McKenna's unbalanced state of mind.
He returned to his bench and said to Stevens with a confident look:
"We've won."
Stevens looked at him in surprise:
"Are you really dreaming again?"
"...Let's watch the game!" Liam said deliberately.
Soon, the game began. Drew beat Townell on the jump ball, and the Bulldogs went on offense.
Curry brought the ball to the frontcourt. Moore seemed ready for battle, but his attention was more on Drew behind him. According to McKenna's plan, Curry would focus on pick-and-roll offense.
But Curry saw Moore was slightly distracted and didn't call for a screen. He stopped one step in front of him and shot a three-pointer directly!
His release was quick, and by the time Moore tried to block it, it was too late. The basketball flew over his head and swished through the net without hesitation!
3:0.
Moore raised his hands in frustration, signaling it was his mistake.
As Indiana State attacked next, they faced the Bulldogs' zone defense. After a season of adjustments, the Bulldogs' defensive chemistry had improved, denying easy opportunities for Indiana State's shooter, Cole.
Indiana State could only pass the ball around the perimeter before Moore missed a three-pointer, and the Bulldogs took control.
This time, Moore tightly guarded Curry. Curry signaled Drew to set a screen, but when Drew got in position, Curry quickly changed direction, shaking off Moore, who tried to go around the screen!
He adjusted his dribble and launched another three-pointer!
Swish!
The satisfying sound of the net echoed, and the ball was in again. 6:0.
Moore was even more frustrated this time. He was just a bit off—why didn't he anticipate that?
"Nice move. Curry is hot and shooting decisively in this game!" Kevin Haywood praised.
Indiana State's offense still couldn't penetrate the Bulldogs' double-team defense, but Kerr's three-pointer bounced off the rim, breaking their scoring drought.
6:3.
Curry responded immediately. He got a brief shooting opportunity through a pick-and-roll with Campbell. When Indiana State's forward Wozniacki rushed over, Curry took a confident shot two steps beyond the three-point line!
The basketball narrowly evaded Wozniacki's fingertips, drawing a beautiful arc before falling straight through the net!
9:3.
"Curry faced Wozniacki's block and nailed a long three-pointer! Less than three minutes into the game, he's made 3 of 3 from beyond the arc, and Indiana State's defense just can't contain him!" Kevin Haywood's voice was filled with excitement.
Back on the other end, Indiana State still couldn't break through Butler's upgraded zone defense. Curry's offense continued to attract all the defensive attention, allowing his teammates to capitalize on open looks, leaving Indiana players scrambling.
In the end, Curry finished the game with 12 of 19 shooting, 6 of 11 from three-point range, and 4 of 4 free throws, scoring 34 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. His performance helped Butler secure an 86-62 victory over Indiana State University, clinching the Horizon League championship and advancing to March Madness!
End of this chapter
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