The starting lineups are in position.
University of Kentucky: Tyler Ulis, Booker, Zeng Xingyang, Koulistan, Towns.
Duke University: Cook, Grayson Allen, Winslow, Ojeleye, Okafor.
Barkley shouted: "If Coach Calipari hadn’t firmly let Zeng shoot three-pointers in the last game, I think Wisconsin would be here."
Kenny Smith said: "Wisconsin’s team coordination was indeed great, but unfortunately, basketball courts are never short of miracles where one person beats a team."
O’Neal said: "On the way to winning the championship, a few miracles are always needed for the effect. I have a lot of experience in this. Zeng, if you can hear me, come find me, and I’ll teach you how to win a championship."
Barkley: "Would it kill to stop mentioning the word championship?"
O’Neal calmly said: "Not at all, just wanted to make you a bit envious."
Both teams’ players appear a bit nervous on the court, as this game carries significant weight.
No matter how many consecutive games Kentucky has won, if they lose this one, they will be the biggest losers.
Duke University shares a similar mentality.
Jump ball at the start of the game.
Jump ball between Okafor and Towns.
Although Okafor has decent talent, he’s a bit inferior compared to Towns.
Towns steadily tips the ball to Tyler Ulis.
Tyler Ulis dribbles to the top of the arc to observe.
Tyler Ulis won’t enter the draft this year; he will stay for another year, primarily because his stats aren’t looking good.
It’s not an issue with his ability but really due to the lack of ball possession.
Tyler Ulis’s offensive capability doesn’t compare to the NCAA top-tier players like Booker and Zeng Xingyang, but it’s still above average.
His specialty lies in organization and some parts of personal offense.
Calipari has promised him more ball possession next season, which will be more advantageous for the draft.
Zeng Xingyang runs positioning on one side, defended by Winslow.
In the past, when Winslow first joined the Heat, he was even touted as the Heat’s prince, often appearing center stage in promotional images.
His specialty was defense, with one famous moment being a throat lock on Brother Alphabet.
If not for injuries, this guy might have had a promising future in the NBA.
He is also Duke University’s strongest defensive ace.
"Don’t even think about scoring tonight!" Winslow taunts Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang focuses on the team’s tactical positioning; Calipari’s first attack sets play for him, so he’s not interested in verbally sparring with Winslow.
Zeng Xingyang doesn’t expect to shake off Winslow with just individual positioning, so he signals at the baseline corner.
Towns and Koulistan come out one after another to screen for Zeng Xingyang.
Winslow’s individual defense is strong, but facing such screens, he can’t avoid it completely.
Ultimately, Okafor has to switch to defend Zeng Xingyang.
The ball rotates to Booker at this moment, who quickly passes it to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang makes a feint; Okafor gets caught immediately, rushing over to defend.
Zeng Xingyang’s feint on the perimeter easily throws off the defender’s balance; he’s too accurate.
Zeng Xingyang dribbles a step inside to a high-position jump shot.
The fingertip flick on the basketball is incredibly smooth.
"What did you just say? I didn’t hear clearly." Zeng Xingyang swiftly retorts Winslow.
The slap in the face came so swiftly.
"Better not call for a screen," Winslow replies.
A series of screens makes Winslow stifled.
"I’m a shooter, do you even play?"
"If you want a duel, go find Devin; don’t say you don’t dare." Zeng Xingyang doesn’t deny his ball-handling inadequacy; basketball isn’t a one-on-one game.
"Hmph!" Winslow says nothing more.
Winslow knows Booker as well and understands Booker’s strong ball-handling attack is very hard to restrain one-on-one.
"Nice job." Booker comes over to high-five Zeng Xingyang.
Booker’s current passing awareness is great; he constantly tracks Zeng Xingyang’s position and will pass the ball whenever there’s a chance.
Organizing an offense specifically can be difficult for him, but such passing isn’t.
"Keep passing like that; it feels good," Zeng Xingyang says with a smile.
After a simple exchange, they rapidly chase down their respective defenders.
Zeng Xingyang follows Winslow.
Cook dribbles to the front court and gives the ball to Grayson Allen.
Grayson Allen’s ball-handling attack is average, struggling against Booker’s defense.
Grayson Allen passes to Okafor.
Duke University’s offense point is very clear, starting with the inside.
Winslow attempts an inner cut, but Zeng Xingyang sticks tightly to Winslow; Okafor has no chance to pass the ball to him.
Okafor holds the ball and backs down Towns.
Okafor’s inside technique is solid, but Towns defends this round very firmly.
Without an absolute chance, Okafor passes the ball out to Cook.
Cook channels the ball to Allen, who then passes to Winslow.
Seeing time running low, Winslow prepares to force an attack.
But he faces Zeng Xingyang, whose defense is top-notch; with position intact, Winslow finds direct ball-handling attack difficult.
Winslow initially dribbles to the right side but fails to shake off, then adjusts with a backside dribble to his favored left side, stepping back for a mid-range jump shot.
Winslow’s speed didn’t rise; the jump is low, his rhythm already anticipated by Zeng Xingyang.
Then, a cruel scene unfolds.
Zeng Xingyang uses a volleyball-style block, sending the ball out of bounds.
Duke University fans on site feel a chill; Zeng Xingyang’s defense is too fierce.
Zeng Xingyang shouts at Winslow: "Hey, your offensive technique is rough, too lame."
A face-to-face taunt, Winslow remains silent.
Zeng Xingyang slightly taller than Winslow, and with a longer wingspan; when prepared, it’s very challenging for Winslow to even attempt that kind of shot.
After the block sends the ball out, Duke University’s 30-second attack time is up, and possession switches to University of Kentucky.
"Haha, the death-wrapping defense from Zeng Xingyang, Duke University’s offense needs to be more cautious."
"Such a defense in the NBA would be considered elite-level defense; Justice Winslow tries to find a shooting opportunity but fails."
"Zeng Xingyang is one of this season’s NCAA best second and third position defenders, though his defense still has flaws that aren’t easily exploited."
"Duke University needs to intensify their offense."
This block to prevent the opponent’s shot greatly boosts University of Kentucky’s morale.
Coach Calipari keeps clapping in celebration on the sidelines.
Zeng Xingyang continues to exhibit top-level offensive and defensive intensity, which reassures him greatly.
Tyler Ulis pushes the dribble forward; University of Kentucky fans continue cheering.
Tyler Ulis delivers the ball to Towns, who passes it on to Booker.
Booker passes back to Tyler Ulis.
Kentucky has a lot of ball conduction, Zeng Xingyang calls Koulistan for a screen.
Koulistan moves up and screens Winslow.
Another off-ball screen frustrates Winslow, Ojeleye switches to defend Zeng Xingyang.
Ojeleye’s defensive rhythm is too slow for Zeng Xingyang; wary of Zeng Xingyang’s three-pointer, he presses up very close, leading Zeng Xingyang to inner cut.
Tyler Ulis, quick-witted and sharp-eyed, passes with a bounce to the cutting Zeng Xingyang.
Okafor wants to provide help defense but is blocked by Towns.
Zeng Xingyang gathers the ball on the move, steps up, and rises for a safe layup.