CHAPTER 66: CHAPTER 66: A PLAYER WHO PLAYS WITH THEIR BRAIN!

A failed defense on one play doesn’t mean much, as the University of Kentucky’s offense resumes.

Zeng Xingyang attempts to position himself to receive the ball beyond the three-point line on one side, but is unsuccessful. The University of Wisconsin’s defense on Zeng Xingyang is unprecedentedly intense; they switch defenders upon encountering a screen, ensuring at least one person is always in front of Zeng Xingyang.

Booker still couldn’t find an opportunity to pass to Zeng Xingyang, so he initiates a pick-and-roll with Towns.

Booker dribbles to the right, transferring the ball to Towns in stride.

After receiving the ball, Towns powers his way past Kaminsky with a spin move and rises strong under the hoop.

"Clap!"

Decker fouled.

Towns earns a trip to the free-throw line.

Towns’ offensive skills are top-tier among big men, easily forcing a foul when playing aggressively.

Towns misses the first free throw but makes the second.

to 3.

The University of Wisconsin’s offense is up again.

Once again, the ball is passed to Kaminsky inside.

Kaminsky continues to go one-on-one against Towns, drawing defensive attention, while on the other side, Koulistan fails to keep up with Decker’s off-ball movement.

Decker initially fakes a three-point shot, causing Koulistan to follow out, but then suddenly breaks away with a burst of speed.

Decker cuts inside to receive Kaminsky’s pass for a layup and scores.

to 5

The University of Kentucky’s offense resumes.

Zeng Xingyang continues to position himself, closely marked by Nigel Hayes.

Nigel Hayes employs many small, sneaky moves, pulling and tugging, yet the referee calls nothing.

As Zeng Xingyang runs from the left side to the right, Nigel Hayes clamps down on his hand, prompting Zeng Xingyang to swing his arm free.

"Ah!"

"Bang!"

With a cry of pain, Nigel Hayes loses balance and falls.

"Beep beep!!"

The referee charges Zeng Xingyang with an offensive foul.

Zeng Xingyang gestures a classic superstar pose, spreading his hands innocently at the referee.

The opponent’s foul goes uncalled, but his struggle elicits an offensive foul.

Zeng Xingyang senses the referee’s unfriendly bias tonight.

James sees Zeng Xingyang’s spread-hand gesture and finds it familiar.

Remembers it.

F*ck!

He’s just like me!

The University of Wisconsin’s offense resumes, with Koning utilizing Kaminsky’s screen to break through.

Koning penetrates the interior, pulling Towns for help defense, then dishes the ball low to the following Kaminsky.

Receiving the ball, Kaminsky changes pace, countering Towns and scoring a layup with one hand.

to 7.

Kaminsky’s inside fundamentals are solid, capitalizing on any chance he gets.

The University of Wisconsin achieves a dream start.

James and the University of Wisconsin’s fans stand up in celebration.

Curry and Thompson also clap; the University of Wisconsin’s attack seems smoother, with higher teamwork chemistry.

Calipari remains calm; the game has just begun, so he won’t immediately second-guess his pre-game strategy.

The game has reached the final four, and claiming not to care about the score would be false, but excessive concern leads to panic.

On the other sideline, Bo Laine admires Calipari’s composure.

On the court.

The University of Kentucky’s offense resumes.

Zeng Xingyang stands firm this time in the corner without constantly running.

Tyler passes the ball to Towns at the low post inside.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

Towns turns sideways to power his backdown move.

Unless his opponent is a player like Cousins, Towns’ post game is impressive.

Towns forces his way to the basket with strong bodywork, leans on Kaminsky, spins, and executes a one-handed dunk.

"Swish!"

to 7

Towns’ offensive skills are very diverse, showcasing various tactics against different opponents.

It’s not just Kaminsky; University of Wisconsin players generally face physical disadvantages against the University of Kentucky.

This advantage is why Calipari isn’t overly anxious; the talent gap is evident.

The University of Wisconsin’s offense resumes, and after a series of ball passes, an opportunity arises for Nigel Hayes.

However, Zeng Xingyang remains in position, and Nigel Hayes’ corner three-pointer results in a miss.

The possession returns to the University of Kentucky.

Towns’ offense prompts the University of Wisconsin to adjust their defensive tactics, preventing Towns from receiving the ball.

Kaminsky fronts the defense.

Booker initiates an attack, dribbling the ball from left to right, then dashes inwards, stopping abruptly; Wisconsin’s defense offers Booker no easy opportunity, and two defenders converge, so Booker, drawing the defense, passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang in the right corner.

Receiving the ball, Zeng Xingyang fakes a shot, causing Nigel Hayes to leap up.

Zeng Xingyang’s three-point threat is so tangible that not jumping is not an option; lacking a shooting rhythm, Zeng Xingyang smartly drives along the baseline instead.

Decker arrives for help defense once more, but Zeng Xingyang, uncertain of a layup finish, quickly lobs the ball high, placing it in Koulistan’s path in the middle lane.

The basketball clears Decker’s fingertips just right, and when Koulistan catches it, he has a clear shot and smashes it without waiting to land.

"Swish!"

to 7

Zeng Xingyang’s pass makes Koulistan’s alley-oop very simple, showcasing high-level passing.

"This is a player who plays with intelligence."

Scouts in the second row jot notes in their notebooks; many teams need this type of smart, non-ball-dominant role-player like Zeng Xingyang.

Curry also acknowledges Zeng Xingyang’s skillful play.

Outside, leveraging his threat to elevate teammates and facilitate opportunities develops once defensive attention is drawn.

With too many players inside, a too-strong pass goes astray, while too weak leads to Decker intercepting it.

What an exquisite pass.

While Curry was contemplating, the University of Wisconsin scored again.

This time, it was a pick-and-roll between Koning and Kaminsky, and the defensive switch by Towns was late, allowing Koning a shot opportunity from the right side of the free-throw line.

Koning shoots decisively, with soft touch, and the ball falls through.

to 9

The University of Wisconsin continues leading, their attacks looking smooth, and their playing style prizing teamwork, allowing anyone to take a shot with an opportunity.

The University of Kentucky’s offense, with continuous passing along the perimeter.

Zeng Xingyang holds the ball diagonally, signaling for Towns’ pick-and-roll.

"Bang!"

Nigel Hayes is screened by Towns, allowing Zeng Xingyang to dribble sideways for space.

Kaminsky, switching on defense, quickly closes in on him, but Zeng Xingyang exchanges a knowing glance with Towns, who cuts inside.

Zeng Xingyang’s intent isn’t self-driven; his maneuvering creates no clear shooting lanes, aiming instead for Towns to exploit a mismatch.

Zeng Xingyang jump passes the ball perfectly to Towns, who comfortably receives it, then takes a large stride, avoiding Koning’s switch.

On the opposite side, Decker boldly steps up to face the attacking Towns.

Towns elevates, clutching the ball single-handedly, pushes past Decker, and fiercely slams the ball into the hoop.

"Swish!"

to 9

Towns scores using a forceful offensive style.

"Great job, keep playing like that," Calipari applauds enthusiastically from the sidelines.

Zeng Xingyang and Towns high-five in celebration.

Though Zeng Xingyang hasn’t scored, his defense and passing continue to impact the game.

Zeng Xingyang never worries about his scoring; he just waits for the right moment.

It’s unlikely Wisconsin can sustain such high-intensity defense against him, merely offering more opportunities for Towns and Booker.

Once these two powerhouses find rhythm, the rivals can only await defeat.