| | Operation Sports:ESPN College Hoops 2K5: Elevate Your Game
By Shawn Drotar, Managing Editor, OperationSports.com
Now that you've hit the hardwood with ESPN College Hoops 2K5, you might be wondering how to take your game to the next level. After all, 2K5 can be played online over XboxLive®, and if you want to hang with the best online ballers the world has to offer, you've got to step up. 
Going in for the dunk.
Well, we're here to help. We've put together some tips for your defense that are quick, easy to learn, and can make a big difference in your ESPN College Hoops 2K5 game. So, without further ado …
A solid "D"
A suffocating defense can keep any team in any game, even if you're outclassed in talent. Reducing the number of open looks, keeping fouls to a minimum, and pressuring the opponent are the keys to victory. Let's look at specific ways to excel in this area.
Don't be afraid to double-team
Most teams have one or two players that take the majority of shots and lead their teams in scoring. If the team you're playing against has one superstar, go to your Coaching menu and order a double-team on that player. If they have more than one star player, or if you'd rather stay more flexible in your defense, order the double-team on the fly by using the double-team command with your controller. The added pressure on that player makes it very difficult to get a good shot off, and also increases the chances that he'll make a bad pass or lose his dribble. Either way, the less your opponent's best player can do with the ball, the better. 
Don't always try to steal the ball.
Keep your hands to yourself
While it may be tempting to try and steal the ball every time your opponent comes down the court, you'll more than likely find yourself on the wrong side of a lot of foul calls. Careless steal attempts often leave a big opening for the ball-handler, as well, and you don't want to be giving up open lanes to the hoop. By and large, don't attempt to steal from a guard unless they're double-teamed or otherwise careless with the ball—or if you're really desperate. Rather, wait until a power forward or center is trying to dribble or post-up in the lane. They don't tend to be as talented with the ball as guards are, and so they're a much better target for that well-timed swipe. Be conservative and judicious with the steal button, and the game won't get out of hand in a hurry.
Don't over-commit
The most important part of defense is basketball is stopping the open shot. To do this, your players must stay with their man or hold their defensive zone unfailingly. In ESPN College Hoops 2K5, your AI-controlled teammates are pretty smart, and they'll do their job to the best of their abilities. Going for fast-break steals or the big blocked shot is exciting, and they can potentially change the game if you succeed. If you fail, however, someone is going to have a wide-open look at the basket, and, more often than not, you'll give up an easy bucket. Avoid the temptation to make the big play—make the smart one instead, and you'll pressure the opposition into making mistakes than you can exploit. 
Keep the open shots to a minimum.
Learn your plays
Most players probably won't take advantage of ESPN College Hoops 2K5's robust defensive playbooks, but you should. Understanding when to play a perimeter 1-2-2 zone and when to play man-to-man can be the difference between winning and losing. When unleashed upon an unsuspecting player, switching zone defenses or calling for a full-court press at the right time can completely stymie an offense, and force them into critical mistakes. The more you understand defensive strategy, the better player you'll be, and you'll become a smarter basketball fan, to boot. What's not to like?
It's been said that defense wins championships. Well, it's true. It's true in the NCAA, and it's true in ESPN College Hoops 2K5. Concentrate on improving yours, and you'll be marching towards the Big Dance before you know it!
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