The Calm Before the Game

The next day, the USC team flew to Indiana for their upcoming game against the Louisville Cardinals. The excitement and tension were palpable as they boarded the plane, each player lost in their thoughts about the crucial match ahead. Scheduled to play on March 29 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the team had just one day to prepare, making every moment precious.

Lucas Oil Stadium is a modern, versatile venue known for its retractable roof and state-of-the-art facilities. As the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, it was an unusual but thrilling choice for the USC-Louisville game due to its enclosed design, offering a stark contrast to USC's usual open-air home, the University of Antarctica Memorial Stadium. The Memorial Stadium, with its open-air configuration, wasn't suitable for indoor basketball, whereas Lucas Oil Stadium met all NCAA requirements perfectly.

Construction of Lucas Oil Stadium began in 2005 and was completed in 2008, designed primarily as a football venue but with the capacity to host a wide variety of events. It boasts seating for up to 70,000 fans, a significant increase compared to the usual arenas USC played in, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge for the team.

Upon arrival in Indianapolis, the USC players took a bus to Lucas Oil Stadium in the early afternoon. The ride was filled with a mix of awe and determination as they gazed out at the city, knowing they had limited time to acclimate themselves to the new venue. The stadium had been meticulously prepared for the NCAA Midwest Regional Finals, its vast interior transformed to suit basketball's requirements.

Stepping into the immense arena, the players were struck by the sheer scale of the venue. Despite having played in various arenas before, Lian Dao felt a sense of smallness standing in the vast stadium. The team quickly focused on shooting practice, aiming to adjust to the unfamiliar setting and get comfortable with the court. The importance of adapting to the new environment couldn't be overstated; it was a crucial element in their preparation.

As they practiced, the enormity of the stadium gradually became less daunting. The players started to find their rhythm, their shots improving as they adjusted to the space. Coach Tim ensured the practice was intense and focused, pushing the players to their limits to get them game-ready.

Back at the hotel later that evening, the USC team gathered in a conference room to watch footage of the Louisville Cardinals' previous game against the Kansas State Jayhawks. Tim's voice was steady and analytical as he broke down the game for his players. The Louisville Cardinals had a game similar to USC's last match, coming back in the final ten minutes. However, Louisville's overall strength wasn't as high as the Kansas Jayhawks. They had trailed for most of the game, with Kansas leading by a significant margin at one point.

But the Jayhawks got complacent in the fourth quarter. After building a solid lead in the first half and early second half, they assumed victory was secure. This allowed Louisville to seize the opportunity and take the lead. Kansas's young players lacked experience. After being in control for most of the game, they panicked once Louisville overtook them, leading to a disorganized offense. Had Kansas not slipped up in the last ten minutes, USC would have faced them next.

However, USC was more eager to face Louisville. The players felt a collective sense of anticipation, believing they could exploit Louisville's weaknesses.

"DeMar, do you think Louisville stands a chance against us?" Lian Dao asked, curious about DeMar's view.

"I don't think so. With Vucevic back, we have a strong advantage. Plus, we won't make the same mistakes Kansas did," DeMar said confidently, analyzing the two teams with Lian Dao.

Lian Dao's question was more than casual curiosity; it was a test to see if DeMar underestimated Louisville. Before they knew their opponent, everyone had been thrilled about facing Louisville, thinking their No. 1 seed was undeserved. This mindset is common when strong teams underestimate dark horse teams, leading to surprising upsets.

Fortunately, Tim kept the players grounded. He frequently reminded them of Kansas's mistake, helping them stay focused and avoid underestimating their opponents. They knew that carelessness could cost them a spot in the semifinals or finals.

After reviewing the game videos, Tim summarized the game and made tactical plans. While USC had some strategies in reserve, they would save them for crucial moments. For now, they stuck to conventional tactics.

Lian Dao noted Louisville's strong zone defense and rebounding. Their comeback was largely due to rebounds. In the final quarter, Kansas missed many outside shots, failed to protect the rebounds, and couldn't break Louisville's zone defense, leading to a drop in morale and eventual defeat.

Two players stood out to Lian Dao: Earl Clark and Terrence Williams. Earl Clark, standing at 2.06 meters, played both forward positions, averaging 8.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. He was known for his fierce defense and active rebounding.

Terrence Williams, a versatile swingman mostly playing small forward, had shown significant growth in his senior year. He was skilled offensively with a strong mid-range shot, excellent defensive abilities, and solid rebounding and passing. Despite his strengths, his inconsistent shooting and reliance on layups after breakthroughs were weaknesses that USC could potentially exploit.

After watching all the videos, Lian Dao had a good understanding of his opponents. He felt a mix of anticipation and confidence, knowing that their preparation and strategic planning would be crucial in the upcoming game.

Meanwhile, the Louisville Cardinals were also excited about playing against USC. They saw USC as the biggest dark horse of the season, believing USC only advanced due to the weaker overall strength of the Pac-10 this season. Earl Clark, in particular, was eager to challenge Lian Dao, claiming he would give him a taste of real iron-blooded defense.

As the night wore on, the USC players tried to relax and get some rest. They knew the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for the game. Tim's reminders and strategic insights played over in their minds, reinforcing the necessity of focus and discipline.

The next morning, the team gathered for a final review and light practice session. The atmosphere was a blend of nervous energy and steely determination. Each player knew their role, and they were ready to give their all on the court.

As game time approached, the USC team felt a surge of unity and confidence. The preparations, the strategic planning, and the insights gained from their analysis of Louisville had all come together. They were ready to face the challenge and prove themselves on the grand stage of Lucas Oil Stadium.

The game against the Louisville Cardinals was set to be a defining moment in their journey, and the USC team was determined to seize the opportunity and advance further in the tournament.