Booker and Lyles nodded to each other. Both of them noticed Russell’s weakness on defense in this round.
The head coach of Ohio State University on the sidelines was very anxious; the thing he feared the most still happened.
Russell had a natural fear of players with strong one-on-one abilities.
In the tactical arrangement, they would avoid putting Russell in isolation situations as much as possible, but now it seems this can’t be hidden anymore.
Next, Kentucky’s tactics became relatively simple.
Whoever Russell was sticking to, Booker or Lyles would set a screen for them to hold the ball and perform various forms of flashy one-on-one plays against him.
Russell’s defense in the NCAA wasn’t particularly bad; it’s just that both Booker and Lyles are players with strong ball-handling and attack abilities.
Russell was like an ATM machine, anyone could withdraw money by swiping the card and entering the pin.
The more Russell was attacked, the more he crumbled.
However, fortunately, Ohio State University’s three-point shooting maintained an impressive pace; every time the University of Kentucky tried to widen the score gap, they would hit some miraculous threes.
Especially Sam Thompson on the outside and Luo Wen on the inside, the two of them were on fire today. With just two minutes left in the game, they combined to score 12 three-pointers.
In contrast, the University of Kentucky’s three-point shooting percentage plummeted. Whether it was Zeng Xingyang, Booker, or Lyles, they missed some shots that could have completely broken the game open.
After sitting on the bench for a while, Towns came up and made successive hits inside.
Once Towns got going, Kentucky firmly held the advantage.
With two minutes left in the game, the score reached 85 to 80, with the University of Kentucky leading by only 5 points.
Towns recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists tonight, Booker had 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, Zeng Xingyang 17 points, 5 assists, and Lyles 10 points.
Kentucky’s defense couldn’t be said to be terrible today; it’s just that their opponents were too precise.
Russell only scored 12 points and 7 assists, but Thompson on the outside had 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.
"Thompson is predicted to go undrafted in the NBA draft, but that doesn’t stop him from shining on the ’March Madness’ stage."
"The charm of ’March Madness’ lies in the fact that sometimes some individuals will stand up to challenge these talented teams."
"Kentucky Wildcats, don’t think you’ve secured this yet."
As the underdog in public opinion, Ohio State University played very tenaciously tonight, earning the respect of many neutral teams.
The Kentucky Five Tigers all had the potential to make the first round, yet facing such a super-luxurious lineup, the score remained tight.
At this moment, Russell on the court was panting heavily. NCAA’s attack time for one round is 30 seconds, so two minutes is about 4 rounds.
This means they need to score in two rounds while stopping their opponents in two rounds to have a chance.
Kentucky didn’t use a point guard in the last two minutes; they deployed their Five Tigers lineup.
Booker, Zeng Xingyang, Lyles, Koulistan, Towns.
Russell dribbled to observe, with Booker mainly defending Russell.
This time, Russell prepared to break through to the right, Booker quickly moved to the right.
Almost simultaneously, Booker wanted to reach out and strip the ball from Russell’s hand.
Booker’s defensive awareness lacked a bit, as his move cost him his position.
Russell anticipated it and with a behind-the-back dribble, accelerated to the left, beating Booker.
Russell had a great sense of rhythm in his breaks.
Zeng Xingyang saw Booker being beaten and decisively helped with the defense.
Russell didn’t choose to pass but gritted his teeth to gather the ball and attempted a Euro step around Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t use his hands but held his ground and confronted Russell.
Russell crashed into Zeng Xingyang with the ball.
Zeng Xingyang didn’t move, and Russell staggered back and fell.
The referee didn’t blow the whistle because Zeng Xingyang wasn’t blocking.
However, since Zeng Xingyang didn’t move, they also didn’t call an offensive foul on Russell.
It wasn’t that Zeng Xingyang’s confrontation was strong, but Russell’s physical confrontation was weaker; he seldom collided with people directly, often using techniques to maneuver around.
This time, he just failed to maneuver.
Russell threw the ball out before the turnover, and the outside Tyler caught it and took a three-point shot.
Koulistan flew from afar to interfere.
This time, Tyler didn’t seize the chance, and the basketball hit the rim heavily and bounced out.
In the scramble for the rebound, Luo Wen luckily grabbed the offensive rebound.
Luo Wen quickly passed the ball to the already positioned Russell on the outside.
At this moment, receiving the ball, Russell didn’t hesitate and confidently took a three-point jump shot from the left 45-degree angle.
For Russell, he didn’t dare go inside.
The University of Kentucky’s talent was too terrifying.
Whether it’s Towns, Koulistan, or Lyles, they are all aggressive shot-blockers who can both run and jump.
Moreover, trailing by 5 points now, they needed a three-pointer to quench the thirst.
Zeng Xingyang was always watching Russell, and almost as soon as Russell took the three-pointer, he also lunged forward to block.
Zeng Xingyang’s running and jumping talent wasn’t outstanding, but he excelled with a long wingspan.
Stretching out his long wingspan, he leaped with all his might.
"Smack!" The basketball was slammed down onto the floor with a volleyball block-like smash.
The basketball bounced off the floor and was controlled by Booker.
At this moment, Zeng Xingyang surprised everyone.
He successfully defended Russell for two consecutive rounds.
Zeng Xingyang had no time to celebrate but instead followed Booker on the fast break.
Booker was in the center, with Zeng Xingyang advancing on the left.
Ohio State University’s defensive attention was all on Booker, who had the ball.
Booker decisively drove in, causing the opponent’s defense to shrink in.
Ohio State University’s defensive formation was completely messed up, leaving Zeng Xingyang with little pressure.
Booker chose to pass the ball out.
Zeng Xingyang ran to the 30-degree position on the right and received the ball in stride.
There was no idea of running down the clock; he followed the rhythm of his body and shot the transition three-pointer.
Zeng Xingyang’s shot involved a bit of drift, but it didn’t affect him at all.
The basketball flew like a bullet shot from a sniper rifle.
It hit Ohio State University’s heart.
Ohio State University swiftly called for a timeout.
At this moment, Zeng Xingyang stood in the center of the court, made a gesture with his right hand showing three fingers, and his left hand like drawing a bow, posing in the manner of an archer!
This was a celebration move created by Zeng Xingyang himself.
"Hey, man, you were amazing."
The Kentucky players rushed over to Zeng Xingyang, shouting and cheering around him.
Zeng Xingyang delivered MVP-level performance on both offense and defense again.
The block against Russell and the transition three-pointer were enough to help the University of Kentucky seal the victory.
Russell half-spit his mouthguard and bit hard, staring at Zeng Xingyang incredulously.
Throughout the game, Russell didn’t match up against Zeng Xingyang many times, but he could feel the defensive pressure Zeng Xingyang brought.
This kind of oppressive feeling made one feel desperate.
The University of Kentucky fans cheered so loudly it seemed like they could blow the roof off the arena.
This one block and one attack basically helped Kentucky seal the victory.
The commentator stood up and shouted: "20 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, Zeng Xingyang has once again demonstrated his value."
"Zeng Xingyang’s performance was incredible; his contributions on defense can’t be fully reflected in the stats."
"I think this guy is the best 3&D player in this year’s NCAA!"
When the commentator claimed Zeng Xingyang as the best 3&D player this year, no one found it incongruent.
With precise three-point shooting and fierce defense, even at the star-studded University of Kentucky, Zeng Xingyang shone brilliantly.