That was Orie Achebe's role at UConn.

He didn't seem like a strong force, averaging only around 10 points and 10 rebounds per game, but without him, the offense would lose a finishing point under the basket, not to mention the big problem of losing control of defensive rebounds.

By the end of the first half, UConn was leading San Diego State University 36-33. Although they were still ahead, after losing too many defensive rebounds, the situation was completely different from the start of the game.

Forsyth, being short and lacking awareness, allowed Leonard to grab four or five offensive rebounds alone.

During the 15-minute halftime break, both teams returned to the locker room to rest and adjust.

At this moment, in a corner of the stands, a few people were noticeably taller than those around them.

They were the University of Arizona players, and their tournament debut the next night would also be here.

The University of Arizona was also a team from the West, and a strong one, but as a wild card team, they were ultimately seeded No. 5 in the region by the organizing committee.

That meant, if all went well, they would face the winner between UConn and San Diego State University in the next round of 32.

"Connecticut's performance is worse than expected." In the stands, Arizona's core player, Derrick Williams, said.

"Yes, their inside game is too weak, and that Tang isn't as good defensively as the rumors say. At least, he seems much worse than Leonard on the other side." Solomon Hill, Arizona's starting small forward, nodded in agreement.

"If we were playing San Diego State University, that Leonard would definitely be a problem." Williams nodded.

Although Walker wasn't the strongest point guard in this class, he was still a top ten, even top five player. For Leonard, a forward, to defend him like this, his strength was really surprising. It would be difficult to deal with him if they matched up.

"And that Wright is dirty enough." Hill didn't forget to complain. If it weren't for Wright, the game would have been over in the first half.

"Let's pray that Connecticut makes some adjustments in the second half, so it will be easier for us to play them in the next round." Williams said with a smile.

He thought Leonard was a problem, but he was confident he could handle Tang.

"Can they find a way to deal with Wright?" Hill said, turning his head to look at the UConn players' tunnel.

...

"We have to control the defensive rebounds, understand? You've been playing basketball for so long, don't you know that controlling the rebounds is controlling the game?!"

In UConn's locker room, Calhoun, who was usually mild-mannered, was scolding the players loudly. He was furious. UConn had a dream start, but Orie Achebe's impulsiveness directly ruined the good situation.

In just one half, San Diego State University had closed the gap to only 3 points. Who would win or lose in the second half was really unknown.

If they weren't careful, they would capsize in the gutter like Georgetown University and go home early.

Orie Achebe was standing in the corner with his head down, not daring to speak. He wasn't an impulsive player, but Wright's dirty tricks were too much, and after a while, he completely lost control of his emotions.

"Boxing out! Rebounding isn't just about jumping up to grab the ball, it's about boxing out, understand?" Calhoun continued to lecture the players.

Calhoun's decibels were high, but it was more of a venting of emotions.

UConn's fighting spirit wasn't a problem in the first half; losing offensive rebounds was more due to being suppressed by talent.

Tang had no problem guarding Leonard one-on-one outside the restricted area, but in the restricted area, Leonard's wingspan was longer and his hands were bigger, so it was difficult for him to gain an advantage.

Forsyth was even worse. He didn't usually get much playing time, and when he encountered a dirty player like Wright, he seemed very overwhelmed on the court.

After finishing his lecture, Calhoun's emotions eased slightly, and he called Tang out of the locker room.

"I want you to play center, what do you think?" Calhoun said.

Now the team's inside players, Orie Achebe was fouled out and couldn't play anymore, Forsyth was not up to the task, Olander was tall enough, but playing center was even less effective than Forsyth, and the only one he could trust was Tang.

But Tang's build was already quite limited for a power forward, and playing center was completely asking too much of him, which was why he pulled Tang out to talk to him alone.

"Coach, I can't play center in this game." Tang replied.

He had only played center in the regular season when they played St. John's University, but Wright and Leonard's inside combination was clearly stronger than Johnson and Diesel's combination back then, especially in terms of rebounding. He estimated that playing center wouldn't be much different from Forsyth.

Calhoun hesitated, and finally sighed helplessly. If it were a series, he would definitely be confident in defeating San Diego State University, but in a single game, Orie Achebe's absence would really have a big impact on the situation.

"I suggest you try Art." Tang said next.

"Art? Art Majok?" Calhoun asked.

Tang nodded.

Majok was the team's third substitute inside player, and he didn't have a scholarship. Because there were Forsyth and Olander ahead of him, he rarely played even in the regular season.

"He won't do." Calhoun shook his head directly.

This Majok was like an uncut jade, no, to be precise, he was just a stone. Apart from being able to jump high, he was useless in everything else, and his progress was very slow. He had been playing for a season and he was still the same.

"He's still pretty good at rebounding." Tang said.

Majok's rebounding was the complete opposite of what Calhoun had said during the scolding in the locker room. He didn't box out at all, he just relied on his jumping ability to grab the ball.

It would be difficult for this kind of player to have a chance to play in the NBA, but it was still very effective in the NCAA, especially against Wright, who was completely a ground-based player.

Calhoun hesitated after hearing this.

"And he has a good temper." Tang continued.

Having a good temper is definitely not an advantage in basketball. Basketball is a sport that advocates confrontation. If you have a good temper, people will only think you're easy to bully and grab you to beat you.

But at this time, having a good temper might really be an advantage.

Because if he had a good temper, it would be difficult for Wright to use the same tricks he used in the first half.

"You go back and rest first, and call Art out for a moment."

Tang nodded when he heard what Calhoun said. It seemed that Calhoun had adopted his suggestion.

Majok was surprised when Tang called his name, but he still trotted out.

"Alex, don't keep your head down here, we're counting on you in the next game." Tang didn't pay attention to what was happening outside the locker room, but pulled Orie Achebe to talk.

When the second half returned, UConn made adjustments to the starting lineup, but they didn't put Forsyth at the center position, but Art Majok, who had never played in the first half, and had even had few opportunities to play in the regular season, a skinny inside player who was 2.08 meters tall but only weighed 102 kilograms.

"Is this Connecticut's adjustment?" In the stands, Hill was stunned when he saw the substitution.

"It seems we're going to play San Diego State University in the next game. The Big East's strength this year is really too poor." Williams said with a wry smile. This wasn't the result he wanted.