Illinois also chose to trust the lineup that defeated the Tar Heels: Augustine, Powell, Brown, Head, Deron.
In the jump ball session, Qin Yue overwhelmingly won the opening possession for Wake Forest.
Paul dribbled past half-court, preparing to execute the Flex tactic as planned before the game.
But Deron actively engaged in physical confrontation, nearly causing Paul to make a mistake.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Deron was a formidable presence.
In front of him, Paul, reportedly 6 feet tall, seemed like a little brother next door.
Down low, seeing this, Qin Yue decisively halted the Flex tactic and stepped up to the high post, providing Paul with a sense of security with his solid shoulders.
Next, with Qin Yue setting the pick, Paul transformed as if he became a new person, dribbling past Deron's defense.
