Chapter 1 A Battle of the Strong

"This is a clash of the titans. Based on our pre-match rankings, whoever wins this game will rise to second place in the league." The commentator began to build up the atmosphere.

"Yes, UConn is in great form, and they're playing at home, so they definitely want to extend their winning streak. But Georgetown's Monroe certainly won't agree. He scored 30 points and 21 rebounds in their last game! I heard that UConn's Tang will be the new starting power forward, which may not be a good choice in a game like this." The guest commentator said.

Monroe is a traditional center, 2.11 meters tall and weighing 114 kilograms. In the NCAA, he's an absolute beast inside.

UConn substituting Orlander for Tang at this time will indeed make them more vulnerable on the defensive end.

You have to know that Tang's previous outstanding defense was against small forwards or shooting guards. His defensive effectiveness against big centers like this is definitely not as good as Orlander's.

"We don't know Calhoun's tactical intentions, but I'm still looking forward to Tang's starting debut. He's given us too many surprises in the past."

While the two commentators were talking, the players from both teams completed their final warm-ups before the game, and the starters also entered the court one after another.

For UConn, the guards are Walker and Lamb, the forwards are Smith and Tang Tian, and the center is Oriakhi.

Georgetown University is led by Greg Monroe.

Amid the cheers of the fans, Oriakhi and Monroe jumped for the ball at center court.

Monroe pressed down on Oriakhi and pushed the ball back to his half of the court.

Oriakhi is a little taller than Monroe, but Monroe has a much better wingspan and is faster, making the tap very easy.

Georgetown's guard pushed the ball to the frontcourt and passed it directly to Monroe.

The Princeton offense is a set of tactics developed by Pete Carril when he was at Princeton University. Its core idea is that the players and the ball move together, using the center to organize and coordinate at the high post, making unlimited cuts and counter-runs to find the best shooting opportunity with enough freedom.

After Monroe held the ball, Georgetown University's wing players were constantly setting off-ball screens, cutting, and counter-running.

However, Calhoun had obviously learned something from his last loss. At this time, he put up a 2-1-2 zone defense. After the players defended their respective areas, they didn't give Georgetown University too many good offensive opportunities.

Seeing that his teammates didn't have a chance, Monroe leaned against Oriakhi and turned directly towards the basket.

Oriakhi chased from behind, wanting to block Monroe like he blocked Lavoy Allen.

But Monroe's finishing ability is obviously much stronger than Allen's. He directly slammed the basket with a one-handed dunk.

Georgetown scored the first point.

For UConn's offense, Walker used Tang Tian's screen to break through to the basket and squeezed past the defender for a layup off the backboard.

However, he underestimated Monroe's help defense speed. Just as he shot the ball, Monroe's big hand came over.

"Bang!"

Walker's shot was directly blocked by Monroe out of bounds!

Monroe roared at the sideline after the block.

The crowd was in an uproar.

This is Greg Monroe. He has been steadily improving year by year at Georgetown University. Now, as a junior, he can average 17.7 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2 blocks per game. He is already one of the top inside players in the NCAA.

UConn's inbound pass, Walker's step-back jumper after breaking through missed, and Monroe pressed down on Oriakhi to grab the defensive rebound.

Oriakhi is tall and can get a lot of offensive rebounds in most games, but now he has no advantage in front of Monroe.

After Monroe grabbed the rebound, Georgetown was not in a hurry to attack. The guard slowly dribbled the ball to the frontcourt.

Unlike other universities that are speeding up the game, Georgetown University has always insisted on traditional tactics, playing the Princeton offense. A slow offensive pace is also one of their characteristics.

It's still Monroe organizing and coordinating at the high post.

UConn's defense was also very energetic. Monroe once again chose to turn and attack the basket.

Oriakhi was already working hard, but he still couldn't keep up.

But just then, Tang Tian gave up his defensive assignment and came to help defend.

"Bang!"

His help defense was timely, but Monroe's speed didn't decrease, and he directly collided with him.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling a blocking foul on Tang Tian.

Walker and Smith helped Tang Tian up, and he couldn't help but rub his chest.

That collision really hurt. Monroe is really an inside beast.

And it was a defensive foul.

He thought to himself that he still had to find a way to earn some krypton gold points and exchange them for a flop actor or something, otherwise all such help defenses would be for nothing.

Because the number of fouls in the first half hadn't reached six yet, Georgetown University directly passed the ball inbounds from the sideline.

With little time left on the shot clock, Georgetown set a series of off-ball screens, and Monroe was mismatched against Tang Tian.

After Georgetown passed the ball to the outside, the guard prepared to lob it inside.

Because Monroe has excellent passing skills, UConn didn't dare to easily double-team him at this time.

The crowd was in an uproar. Tang Tian was just knocked away by Monroe, and now he has to defend Monroe alone. This first starting experience is a bit miserable!

The guard saw the opportunity and lobbed the ball high inside, and Monroe also got ready to catch the ball.

But just then, a figure suddenly squeezed out from beside him.

Tang Tian!

He wouldn't be stupid enough to wait for Monroe to post him up!

After that collision, he already knew that the two were not on the same level in terms of physical confrontation. Waiting for the other party to post him up would be like asking for abuse.

Monroe's strength and confrontation are his advantages, but his speed is definitely not as good as his.

When Monroe was posting up, he was already making a semi-fronting pre-emptive move. The moment the guard passed the ball, he directly rushed out from the semi-front.

Monroe lost his fulcrum and couldn't exert force. He watched Tang Tian flash past him and then suddenly steal the guard's high lob pass inside!

The commotion in the crowd instantly turned into cheers.

Ollie also stood up excitedly.

This is a typical example of using your brain to play basketball!

After Tang Tian stole the ball, he passed it to Lamb, who was closest to him. Lamb then passed it to Walker, who accelerated from the backcourt to the frontcourt and scored with a fast break layup.

Monroe protects the restricted area like an iron bucket in positional warfare, but his speed can't keep up with this kind of fast break!

UConn finally scored!

In Georgetown University's offense, Monroe continued to coordinate at the high post. This time, a teammate ran out for a good three-point opportunity, and he flicked the ball out.

"Bang!"

Monroe is strong, but the level of the other players in Georgetown is limited. This open three-pointer was obviously short, and the ball hit the front of the rim and bounced high.

Oriakhi reached out to grab the defensive rebound, but just then Monroe rushed to the basket. Like a dark cloud covering the sky, he reached out and tipped the ball over his head, directly scoring with a putback!

There was a burst of amazement from the crowd.

For a center, wingspan is the greatest talent. Monroe is absolutely crushing with his talent at this moment.