As USC intensified their defense against Collison and Holiday, Collison's errors became more frequent.
Holiday and Collison were pivotal for their team's perimeter play, with Collison serving as the team's point guard and primary strategist.
Controlling these two players equated to controlling the heart of their team, leading to increased turnovers when pressured.
Lian Dao and Dwight continued to excel defensively, causing significant disruption.
The shorter three-point line in NCAA basketball favored Lian Dao and Dwight's defensive prowess.
Their ability to double-team Collison and quickly recover to their positions showcased their defensive versatility.
Gibson provided solid interior defense, supporting Lian Dao's defensive efforts on the perimeter.
On offense, Lian Dao's presence drew constant double-teams, allowing DeRozan and Gibson ample scoring opportunities.
"This game is effectively over."
"Whether on offense or defense, USC has clearly outmatched their opponents."
Van Gundy lamented the effectiveness of USC's run-and-gun tactics.
"Sickle has fully exploited his strengths within this system."
"This tactic effectively masks Sickle's lack of low-post skills while maximizing his physical talents in passing and shooting."
Mike Brin concurred, offering further analysis of USC's tactical prowess.
Head coach Ben Howland recognized the futility of recovery and called a timeout.
All main players, except Holiday, were substituted out.
Tim admired Howland's strategic adjustments, opting to rest Lian Dao and others on the bench.
The enthusiasm among USC fans was palpable as they celebrated unexpectedly strong performance.
"Aren't they a renowned basketball school? Why do they seem so weak today?"
Harland turned to the source of the comment—a cute white girl attending the game with her friend. The girl's dyed red hair and USC No. 1 jersey.
Her remarks reached Harland, who was sorting through his notes.
He shook his head and explained, "It's not that they're weak; USC is simply too strong. Sickle is a game-changing player."
"Their tactical strategy is exceptionally well-rounded, which might make us appear weaker."
"As a prestigious basketball school, they've had a solid season like USC's, with a record of 12 wins and 3 losses from preseason to now."
"Are you a USC fan?"
Intrigued, the sweet-looking girl inquired further.
"Absolutely, I'm a big USC fan, especially of Sickle. His shooting accuracy and elusive passes are truly remarkable."
"Hmm..." Listening to Harland's praise, the girl contemplated while gazing at Lian Dao on the bench.
"I find him quite handsome, with that oriental charm."
Harland chuckled softly, recognizing the girl's aesthetic appreciation.
Women indeed have a keen eye for visuals, he thought, suspecting her friend shared similar sentiments.
Harland also acknowledged Lian Dao's appeal, evident in the record-breaking sales of "Sports Illustrated."
While predominantly purchased by male sports enthusiasts, the recent spike in sales was largely attributed to female readers attracted by his looks.
The game ended with the timer's beep, sealing a decisive victory for the University of Southern California.
Final score: 76-88, in favor of USC.
Under Holiday's leadership, the deficit was narrowed from 28 points to within 15 in the last ten minutes of the game.
During this impressive performance, Lian Dao amassed 28 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks—just 2 rebounds shy of achieving a triple-double.
In the final quarter, Tim encouraged Lian Dao to go for those 10 rebounds needed for the triple-double, but Lian Dao declined, prioritizing team play over individual statistics and noting there would be ample opportunities in the future.
On the court, Holiday sensed a presence calling out to him, though he couldn't pinpoint its source upon looking around.
Tim, visibly proud, congratulated Lian Dao with a pat on the shoulder, appreciating the maturity, skill, and diligence that had developed in him since his recruitment.
Tim believed that barring injuries, Lian Dao was destined to be the standout player of the NCAA session, poised for even greater achievements.
"Let's congratulate USC on their victory in this game!"
"Thanks to both teams for an exciting match!"
"Sickle's 28 points and 14 assists were the game's highest, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities."
"I'm confident his draft prospects will soar after this performance!"
"Top 20 in the draft, possibly even a lottery pick—he's demonstrated his talent today."
"If he can add speed or develop a consistent mid-range shot—mastering either would push him into the top ten!"
The 2009 draft was initially considered modest, overshadowed by its standout centers, yet it unexpectedly produced a crop of underrated players.
In hindsight, the class rivaled the famed 2003 draft, producing stars like Harden and Curry, who later became scoring champions and MVPs, with Curry revolutionizing three-point shooting.
Players like Griffin and DeRozan became perennial All-Stars, while others such as Rubio, Jeff Teague, Gibson, and Beverly remained active in the league even by 2022.
Reflecting on Lian Dao's current potential and rapid progress, it's clear he stands above many from that class in terms of future potential and impact.