In the end, Coach Ben Howland didn't alter the game plan.
He knew that Calipari would make Derrick Rose attack the paint, after all, in their previous eight encounters, Snoopy had only disrupted him once. With such a high success rate, Memphis had no reason to abandon the tactic at such a critical moment.
Snoopy felt helpless. He couldn't exactly tell his coach the truth: that Miley Cyrus's forehead kiss had somehow activated the power in his calves. That explanation would sound frivolous, and Howland might have called a psychiatrist to tell Snoopy that "love isn't nearly as powerful as you think."
The whistle blew, the game resumed.
Rose received the ball but didn't immediately explode into a fast break. He hung at the three-point line, controlling the pace, giving the impression he wasn't looking to attack the basket.
Snoopy grew anxious. This likely meant Memphis would try a three-pointer from the perimeter on this possession. He looked toward Howland, silently hoping the coach would adjust the play.
But Howland, focused as ever, didn't pick up the cue.
With 25 seconds left, Rose made his move. Using Roberts as a solid screen, he accelerated past Westbrook like lightning toward the paint.
Luke Babbitt, following the switch coverage dictated by the playbook, quickly pursued.
Snoopy's heart raced. "NO!" he shouted, flailing his hands.
He was certain Rose wouldn't attack the rim, that he'd pass to the three-point line.
But Babbitt didn't follow Snoopy's mental instructions.
Sure enough, Rose suddenly halted at the paint, pivoted, and passed to the 45-degree angle on the left, Roberts appeared perfectly positioned.
He caught the ball, smoothly released the shot. Westbrook lunged to contest, but too late.
Swish. 76–77. UCLA led by only one.
The Staples Center erupted.
Roberts pumped his fists in excitement. Memphis players shouted, their morale soaring, they saw hope in that three-pointer.
Howland had no choice but to call a timeout.
That three-pointer had backed UCLA into a corner. The next possession was crucial, failure could swing both momentum and control back to Memphis.
"Calipari is a genius," Ernie Johnson remarked. "All the pressure is now on UCLA. If they don't score this possession, Derrick Rose could very well create a miracle ending!"
"What's interesting," Kenny Smith added, "is that Snoopy seemed to predict Rose's pass. He raised his hand and shouted NO as Rose cut to the paint. If Babbitt hadn't pursued, that three-pointer might not have happened."
"No, I don't entirely agree," Charles Barkley corrected. "If Babbitt hadn't chased, Rose would've still made a two-pointer, maybe even a 'and-one.' Snoopy has already shown he can't stop the future top pick's attacks."
Ernie Johnson nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, UCLA's bench debated their next offensive move. Snoopy stood aside, he knew it wasn't his turn to decide the attack.
The strategy they finally agreed on? Mirror Memphis's previous offensive set.
Westbrook and Kevin Love would execute a pick-and-roll on the left elbow, then pass to Love for a mid-range jumper. Love, UCLA's most reliable scorer in clutch moments, had already accumulated 18 points with mid-range shots tonight.
But before deciding, Westbrook had argued he should take the final shot himself, wanting to attack the paint.
Even assistant coach Cole sided with Howland, Westbrook's idea was rejected.
"Snoopy, you agree with my call?" Westbrook asked as he returned to the court, eyes sharp. "I want to be the one to decide the game's outcome."
Snoopy thought for a moment. "You should coordinate with Kevin. I only handle the boards."
"Good, that gives me peace of mind," Westbrook said, patting his chest.
Snoopy blinked. What? Peace of mind? Are you asking me to take the blame here?
The game restarted.
Westbrook had the ball beyond the arc, wasting precious seconds.
With 11 on the shot clock, he finally attacked the paint following Howland's playbook, but instead of rolling inside, he took two steps, stopped abruptly, and launched a jump shot.
At that moment, Snoopy, boxing out Dorsey under the basket, yelled:
"WTF!!"
Seriously? This shot choice is insane!
You know I'm battling Dorsey under the rim, shouldn't you be attacking for a layup or drawing contact?
He even dragged Dozier into the mix, how was he supposed to get the rebound now?
Boom.
The ball hit the rim, bouncing high. Snoopy tried to chase it around Dorsey, but, Dozier, standing at 2.08 meters with ideal positioning, secured the board.
How could Snoopy possibly contest that rebound?
And Dozier's free throw percentage was over 80%, fouling him would be gifting points.
Snoopy could only watch as Dozier passed to Derrick Rose.
The Staples Center sighed in unison.
The balance of victory now leaned irrevocably toward Memphis. UCLA players, one by one, looked dejected, disappointment in Westbrook written all over their faces.
"Stay focused! Stop this ball!" Snoopy yelled.
He clapped his hands.
"If we defend successfully, we're still in the game!"