On the other side, Powell continued to be assigned more tasks by UCLA head coach Ben Hollander.
Originally, their overall strength was weaker than the opponent, and their primary attack point was suppressed; how could they possibly win now?
Powell knew he couldn’t give up; if they lost this game, his college career would be over, and his prospect of being picked in the second round was unlikely to be changed.
Powell wanted to break into the first round, which would make his future professional career more secure.
The idea is beautiful, but reality is cruel.
Powell faced not only Zeng Xingyang’s relentless pressure but also the talent suppression of the University of Kentucky.
In the first round of the second half, Powell almost got stolen one-on-one by Zeng Xingyang. After barely getting past him, his layup was blocked by Towns with a sky-covering long arm.
Powell was speechless; Kentucky was locking him down today.
After the ball was blocked, Booker grabbed it and charged fast.
Zeng Xingyang accelerated on the other side.
Booker attracted the defense and then passed the ball to the trailing Zeng Xingyang, who easily flew for a layup at the basket for two points.
Scoring in this fast break manner was easy, and the difference between the two teams continued to widen.
After a series of ball rotations, UCLA’s other players still had no opportunity, and the ball again came to Powell.
This time Powell planned to try and force a foul; if the opponent fell into foul trouble, then he could play more comfortably.
The idea is beautiful, but reality remains cruel.
Zeng Xingyang’s defensive moves were very clean; Powell tried to body up Zeng Xingyang but couldn’t break through, nor could he find a chance to draw a foul.
As a result, Powell’s shooting motion was distorted, and his breakthrough long-distance floater missed badly. The rebound was taken by Thomas under the basket.
Thomas grabbed the ball and strongly rose up to brush another block for Koulistan.
Challenging Koulistan without a clear opportunity is very difficult.
The rebound was taken by Towns.
Towns sent a pass to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang took the ball and sprinted, attracted the defense, and then passed it to Booker on the other side.
Booker took the ball, occupied his position, and leapt for a layup to score.
This time Zeng Xingyang got an assist, and Booker scored two points.
The two nodded in acknowledgment of their chemistry.
UCLA’s deficit had reached 16 points, increasing the difficulty of a comeback.
UCLA players’ emotions grew increasingly low, and the UCLA fans present no longer screamed, but the Kentucky fans cheered loudly.
In the next round, Powell knew he had to score, and this time he didn’t go one-on-one with Zeng Xingyang but called for an inside screen.
Thomas moved up to block Zeng Xingyang, and Towns switched defensively over.
Facing Towns, Powell accelerated to the left side but was met by Koulistan’s help defense.
Powell passed the ball to Rooney cutting inside.
Rooney took the ball, ready to gather his feet for a shot, but Zeng Xingyang came over and cut the ball at that moment.
The basketball dropped; although Rooney quickly regained control, he had already lost the best chance.
The Kentucky team had returned to their defensive positions.
Rooney passed the ball out to Isaac on the outside. Isaac didn’t shoot but transferred the ball to Powell positioned at the 45-degree angle on the right side.
Time was running out, Powell forcefully stepped to the right, followed by a step-back three-point jump shot.
As Powell jumped up, Zeng Xingyang leapt, extending his long arm.
Zeng Xingyang’s bounce wasn’t crazy enough to block Powell’s shot, but providing enough interference was possible.
As Powell released his shot, Zeng Xingyang’s fingers touched the basketball.
The basketball’s trajectory changed slightly.
Seeing this, Powell almost felt depressed; he sensed Zeng Xingyang’s defense was everywhere.
How could he still play?
The basketball slammed heavily against the rim and bounced out; Rooney fought unsuccessfully for the rebound, and Towns grabbed it.
Rooney was panting heavily; he knew tonight’s game would be very difficult but hadn’t imagined it would be this tough.
Zeng Xingyang had completely suppressed Powell; their engine had stalled.
Was that Kentucky number 8 really just a freshman?
Rather than those NBA-seasoned defensive stalwarts?
This kind of defense was tormenting Powell.
Booker and Towns set a screen; a gap appeared at the top of the arc.
Booker crisply executed a sideways step-back three-point jump shot.
Took the three-pointer steadily.
With a 19-point difference, UCLA’s offense and defense continued to be completely crushed.
Next round, Rooney at the right of the free-throw line lifted to get Koulistan up, followed by a one-step sideways jump shot from mid-range.
With Towns standing inside, the interference was significant; Rooney chose a slightly farther approach.
Finally, this shot slightly eased UCLA’s pressure.
Rooney’s style now had a trace of Durant’s elegance.
In the next round, Zeng Xingyang ran on the other side, and Booker changed direction, leaving Isaac behind.
Booker broke in, attracting the defense, and then tossed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang made a feint, Powell was caught off balance, then stepped forward to break through.
Powell quickly followed, believing he could definitely stop Zeng Xingyang’s shot this time.
Powell’s idea was good, but Zeng Xingyang wasn’t planning to shoot himself.
While moving, Zeng Xingyang tossed the ball into the air, and Towns rose like a spring, grabbed the ball with two hands, followed by a fierce dunk!!
With 5 minutes and 10 seconds left in the game, Calipari decided to substitute Zeng Xingyang for Terry Lyles.
Kentucky fans and on-site Chinese spectators applauded as Zeng Xingyang was substituted out.
Even amidst the stars at the University of Kentucky, Zeng Xingyang once again showcased a MVP-level performance tonight.
Some UCLA fans also clapped; many of them were Lakers, Clippers, and Warriors fans.
Zeng Xingyang’s performance earned their respect.
Zeng Xingyang’s face beamed with a smile, and he raised his hand to applaud the fans.
NCAA fans are more pure; they’re more loyal to their teams, which is somewhat different from the commercial league NBA.
"Zeng, I don’t know how to praise you." Calipari smiled.
"Victory!" Zeng Xingyang said: "No need for praise, we just need to keep winning."
Calipari nodded and then hugged Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang had been constantly refreshing his perception; even with average talent, he could play exciting games.
The entire game quickly came to an end.
The final score was frozen at 82 to 57, Kentucky University’s 25-point victory.