During halftime, inside the Oklahoma University locker room, Coach Jeff was giving instructions to the players.
"Patience, we need to maintain patience, move the ball around, combine inside and outside play, increase our drives, and actively fight for offensive rebounds to reduce our opponent's fast breaks!"
"Blake, when facing double teams, if the opportunity isn't good, pass the ball out. On defense, everyone can rotate more for you, but on offense, you need to play aggressively."
"No problem, leave the offense to me." Griffin was exhausted in the first half. Although he had good physical attributes, he couldn't withstand UCLA's constant double-teaming, making every play under the basket a struggle.
But when Griffin thought of Kayce's arrogant display, his anger flared up. After all, too many people were watching the game today, and he didn't want to lose so easily.
This game indeed attracted the attention of many star players. There's no need to mention Westbrook and Durant, but LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul were also present.
"Unbelievable, this is my first time watching Kayce play live. He's even better than I imagined. Did you notice? He barely has a weak hand; he's equally skilled with both hands when dribbling."
Chris Paul observed Kayce throughout the first half. He liked players who played with their brains.
"I, on the other hand, think his shooting touch is excellent, especially his mid-range shots near the free-throw line. His accuracy is too high."
Carmelo Anthony was very interested in Kayce's shooting, feeling that their jump shot rhythms were somewhat similar.
"Kayce's physical attributes are very good; nobody on the court can match his height and wingspan," LeBron James said nonchalantly.
"I think Kay's first step isn't that fast, but he's very good at using his body. I think UCLA will win," Dwyane Wade pointed out Kayce's shortcomings and playfully jinxed him.
"I'm betting $1000 on Oklahoma University to win. Come on, guys!" Carmelo Anthony loved to gamble and immediately called on everyone to participate.
"The second half is starting; I hope Oklahoma University can turn the game around!" Kenny Smith immediately offered a jinx.
After the game started, Oklahoma University still initiated their offense with pick-and-rolls. Kayce noticed that their perimeter players' off-ball movement had increased significantly.
Sure enough, after Griffin took the ball in the low post and drew a double team, a role player teammate successfully cut off-ball and easily scored 2 points.
"That's it!" Griffin shouted loudly, excitedly high-fiving his teammate in celebration.
Kayce gave Collison a signal, indicating to slow down this offense and run a regular play.
UCLA's offense was full of numerous off-ball screens. Kayce received the ball off a back screen from an inside role player teammate, but two defenders immediately double-teamed him.
However, Kayce reacted quickly, making a bounce pass directly to assist an inside teammate for a layup.
Oklahoma University's guard quickly brought the ball across half-court. This time, he clearly sped up the offensive tempo, still using a pick-and-roll and roll.
Griffin didn't hold the ball; after attracting the help defense, he immediately passed to a teammate in the corner, who shot a 3-pointer directly.
"Swish!" The open 3-pointer was successfully made.
"It's okay, stay patient, the defense is fine!" Kayce immediately clapped his hands, signaling his teammates to stick to the defensive strategy.
UCLA's strategy in the second half was to prevent Griffin from scoring comfortably, allowing some opportunities for the opponent's perimeter players. They had to choose one or the other and just stick to the defensive strategy.
Holiday brought the ball across half-court and immediately called for teammates to bring Griffin over. In the second half, Kayce, Holiday, and Collison would all attack and wear him down.
After continuous in-and-out dribbles, Holiday drove directly to the basket. Griffin didn't lose his defensive position, but Holiday shot a floater directly, and the ball sailed over Griffin's fingertips and into the hoop.
"A very exciting drive! Holiday attacked very decisively on that play. UCLA needs more offenses like this!" Reggie Miller was very optimistic about this strong, clean-defending guard.
Actually, Griffin almost blocked that shot, but his wingspan was just a tiny bit short.
Ten minutes into the second half, both sides traded blows, with high offensive efficiency. Griffin was really giving his all, almost wrestling for every rebound.
And it was effective; UCLA no longer had fast breaks. Both teams were extremely fatigued in these ten minutes, and Kayce was also exhausted. He had to fight for rebounds because the inside was too weak.
Coach Ben called a timeout to let the players catch their breath and to set up some tactical arrangements.
"For the rest of the game, we must aggressively double-team Griffin. We can't let him score easily in the paint. Everyone's energy is almost at its limit now, so their perimeter shooting percentage will definitely drop."
"Kayce, you take charge of the offense. Guys, play full-court defense. We're still leading, and we're less than 10 minutes away from the finals. Hold on!"
Although the motivational speech was cliché, it was very effective. Kayce gasped for air, quickly chugging some water. He didn't want to play until the last moment again; a single-elimination game ultimately came down to luck.
Holiday dribbled the ball across half-court, then handed it off to Collison. UCLA maintained its offensive rhythm. Kayce successfully posted up in the low block, and Collison delivered the ball perfectly.
Receiving the ball, after a triple threat, he quickly put the ball down, backed down once, then Kayce spotted the help defender coming over and immediately shot a turnaround fadeaway.
"Swish!" The fadeaway was beautiful, scoring 2 points.
This left the defender a bit stunned; the entire offensive process was too fast, and the shot was already taken as soon as the help defense arrived.
And, how did that go in? The degree of the fadeaway was a bit too much!
The [Gap Hunter] + [King of Difficult Shots] badges gave Kayce an excellent touch.
When Oklahoma University attacked, they immediately found open looks on the perimeter because UCLA had completely double-teamed Griffin.
Griffin attracted the defense and immediately passed the ball to the perimeter, but Kayce, Holiday, and Collison rotated quickly. Although a 3-point opportunity still arose in the end, they knew something was wrong as soon as the shot was taken.
"Rebound!" Griffin fought hard inside, but UCLA successfully secured it.
Oklahoma University's perimeter shooting percentage had already started to decline; after all, everyone's energy was almost at its limit.
Kayce dribbled the ball directly across half-court. Holiday signaled everyone to spread out the floor. Facing his defender, he immediately increased the intensity of his dribble.
"Thump, thump!" The sound of the ball hitting the floor entered the opponent's ears. Then, after continuous crossover dribbles, Kayce faked a drive. The defender quickly closed in, but Kayce immediately executed a behind-the-back dribble followed by a step-back shot.
"Swish!" The 3-pointer went in without any interference, as the defender had already been faked into falling to the floor.
"Oh! Ah!" UCLA fans were overjoyed, freely expressing their emotions. They were about to reach the finals.
Kayce calmly retreated on defense; a leader had to be expressionless!
With 3 minutes left in the game, Oklahoma University was still trailing by 6 points. Griffin was getting a bit anxious. In the second half, he mostly scored from free throws and second-chance rebounds, playing an unusually difficult game.
After a pick-and-roll, Griffin drove directly to the basket, knocking down his defender.
"Beep!" The referee signaled an offensive foul. Griffin immediately shouted.
"He flopped! I just lightly bumped him, and he flew!" The referee signaled for the game to continue.
"Griffin is too anxious. They still have time; they should finish their offense in a better way!" Kenny Smith saw Griffin still complaining and was a bit frustrated with his lack of composure.
UCLA remained calm. Kayce received the ball in the low post and was immediately double-teamed, but he quickly passed the ball to the cutting Collison. After continuous passing, Holiday once again made a floater over Griffin.
An excited Holiday pounded his chest and roared! Collison was exhausted in the second half, relying entirely on Holiday and Kayce to finish plays.
Oklahoma University grew increasingly anxious, taking a direct shot from the perimeter after a pick-and-roll.
"Clank!" It was a miss. Kayce grabbed the long rebound and immediately initiated a fast break. Seeing the opponent had already retreated to the basket, he slowed down near the three-point line, then pulled up for a jump shot.
"Swish!" The transition 3-pointer went in, a dagger to the heart.
Kayce excitedly clenched his fist. He knew they had won this game. UCLA fans were also cheering wildly; they were less than 2 minutes away from the finals!
Sure enough, Oklahoma University's subsequent timeout was also in vain. Griffin looked at the 74-65 score, feeling incredibly disappointed.
As time expired, the fans in the arena began to celebrate wildly, with cheers echoing non-stop.
"Game over! Congratulations to UCLA; they have successfully advanced to the finals!" Reggie Miller shouted excitedly, happy for his alma mater.
Teammates swarmed Kayce, embracing him and cheering excitedly.
At this moment, Kayce felt immensely satisfied. This was his last NCAA, and he wanted to leave no regrets!