Fans on the internet both at home and abroad are buzzing about this game.
The technical and tactical offense and defense displayed by both teams is not inferior to the NBA.
Every play is thrilling and full of excitement.
"16 points in halftime, we’ve witnessed the rise of a super rookie."
"Zeng’s shooting is too accurate, every shot is a hit."
"More and more NBA teams are interested in him."
"Those championship-contending teams really need players like Zeng Xingyang, after all, playing well, he could be another Thompson."
"So efficient, this kind of shooting consistency is very rare."
"In the last minute of the first half, Duke University’s morale was almost crushed."
Fans express their opinions online.
Zeng Xingyang delivered a stunning performance in the last minute of the first half, his decisions on the court didn’t look like those of a freshman at all, he played very rationally, knowing when to pass and when to shoot.
After discussing and summarizing some situations on the court, the topic quickly focused on Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang’s popularity is very high; although his projected draft position is not higher than Towns, he is the player with the greatest range of improvement in the NCAA draft projections.
Barkley said, "Coach K has a big problem, they need to solve the issue of Zeng Xingyang’s shooting completely, he scored 16 points in the first half, and if not properly restrained, he’s going for over 30 in the second half."
Smith said, "Zeng Xingyang already has the ability to enter the NBA, this guy plays like he’s been a professional for several years."
Miller said, "Yes, from what I understand, the attention Zeng Xingyang has received has already surpassed that of his teammate Devin Booker, many teams believe Zeng Xingyang has a higher ceiling."
O’Neal said, "Anyway, as a center, I am quite happy to have such a shooter on the outside, this guy can enlarge the space inside."
Smith asked, "Which team do you think suits Zeng right now?"
Barkley, after a brief thought, said, "Undoubtedly, I think it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder. When Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant recover from injuries, their team will have plenty of space, very suitable for Zeng’s future development."
O’Neal said, "I think it’s the Lakers, they have vast space and market. If Zeng goes to the Lakers, his exposure combined with the Lakers’ market will be maximized, and the Lakers will also cultivate him as part of their future core."
Hearing O’Neal’s obvious favoritism towards the Lakers, Barkley chuckled.
Miller said, "If the Cavaliers are willing to make some sacrifices, this guy is quite a good match with LeBron. Of course, going to the Pacers isn’t bad either, with Paul George coming back next season, Zeng will have some space, and the Pacers’ draft position is just right in the lottery, they have a great chance to pick him."
Miller also hinted to the Pacers’ management that they could fully draft Zeng Xingyang, making him another version of himself.
As the commentators discussed Zeng Xingyang’s prospects, the second half of the game began.
Both teams still fielded their starting lineups.
Duke University’s offense.
This play, Winslow used an off-ball screen from Okafor to cut and received a pass from Cook to complete a one-handed slam.
Winslow has scored 10 points tonight; his offensive performance is decent. Although Zeng Xingyang’s defense is good with some fine defensive rounds, he can’t completely stop him, as Winslow’s physical talent is too outstanding.
Winslow’s focus of criticism from Coach K was mainly for failing to defend Zeng Xingyang.
The situation on the court is very tense, and both sides are playing persistently in every round.
Tyler Ulis dribbled to the front court, and Winslow continues his physical confrontation with Zeng Xingyang.
"You won’t have the chance to shake me off," Winslow shouted to boost his morale.
Zeng Xingyang ignored Winslow; Winslow’s motivation differs from his own. Winslow’s projected draft position has always been high, and with his outstanding physical talent, it’s only a matter of time before he enters the NBA.
Meanwhile, his physical talent, in general, is quite average, and he needs to seize every opportunity to perform well.
The starting point of Winslow’s draft seems like the endpoint he has been chasing!
In this situation, the sharpening of their fighting spirit is completely different, Zeng Xingyang needs to put in more effort.
Upon reaching the front court, Towns and Koulistan successively set off-ball screens for Zeng Xingyang.
Towns’ screen is solid, blocking Winslow, but Duke’s defense is clearly stronger than in the first half, with Okafor decisively closing out.
Tyler Ulis passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang at this moment.
Zeng Xingyang sees Okafor closing in and quickly feints.
Okafor’s center of gravity is fooled up.
Okafor is firmly implementing Coach K’s tactical instructions, giving no opportunities for Zeng Xingyang to shoot.
But his movements, in Zeng Xingyang’s view, are a beat slow.
Zeng Xingyang dribbled to his right, bypassing Okafor without continuing to the inside, slow down on the right of the free-throw line, and took a jump shot.
The basketball drew a beautiful arc.
Zeng Xingyang can’t do many ball-handling breakthroughs, but this kind of one-step shooting is quite simple.
Miller said, "Indeed, Zeng Xingyang only shoots, but his strength lies in having a nearly dead-angle-free shot like Klay; as long as there’s an open shot, his accuracy is very high."
Zeng Xingyang’s personal score continues to rise.
Duke University’s offense.
Cook dribbles to the front court.
After the ball was passed around the perimeter, Cook initiated a pick-and-roll with Okafor.
Towns’ switch defense was slightly slow, Cook found an opening atop the three-point arc and decisively shot.
Cut through like a hot knife!!
Duke University is demonstrating their talent, finding scoring opportunities against the strong defensive intensity of the University of Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky’s offense comes again.
This time, Zeng Xingyang didn’t directly run for an open shot outside; Booker chose to drive into the paint with the ball.
Towns cut in from the middle, and Booker handed the ball to Towns with an underhand pass.
Okafor defended in time, and Towns missed the layup against Okafor, but Kauleistan grabbed the offensive rebound.
Zeng Xingyang moved to the corner, and Kauleistan passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball and faked a move, causing Winslow to jump.
After deceiving Winslow, Zeng Xingyang broke along the baseline.
Although Zeng Xingyang’s ball-handling skills aren’t great, he still has some ability.
However, Zeng Xingyang’s breakthrough speed isn’t fast, and Okafor quickly came to assist in defense.
Zeng Xingyang chose to throw the ball high towards the basket.
Towns powered up in the paint, snatching the ball with one hand and slamming it down hard.
A successful alley-oop.
"That breakthrough looks improved."
"His fakes are very convincing."
"Excellent passing awareness."
The synergy between Zeng Xingyang and Towns dazzled the spectators.
Towns’ alley-oop also made the University of Kentucky’s bench howl.
The yellow-skinned fans in the arena cheered even louder, feeling a greater connection as Zeng Xingyang shone on the court.
Duke University’s offense.
This time it’s Cook again.
Cook used Okafor’s screen to penetrate, adjusted his pace inside, then floated the ball over Towns’ defense.
Cook made the shot while drawing a foul from Towns.
Standing at the free-throw line, Cook calmly made the extra point.
Coach Calipari paced anxiously on the sideline.
Duke University still demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, putting a lot of pressure on him.
Tyler Ulis received the ball and quickly advanced.
The pace of this game was extremely fast; it was all about whose offense would falter first.
Tyler Ulis passed the ball to Booker.
Booker and Towns came together for a pick-and-roll.
Booker used the screen to break through to the interior.
While holding the ball, Booker continually observed and shifted his pace.
Okafor, with arms widespread, kept Booker covered, not giving him any chance for a close-range jump shot.
On the other side, Zeng Xingyang used Koulistan’s back-cut to reach the right side of the free-throw line.
Booker, without looking, passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang, ready to shoot on the move, caught the ball and launched his shot.
Piercing through the net again.
Despite Duke University’s strong offense, Kentucky University maintained its advantage with Zeng Xingyang’s response.
With such a fierce rhythm, subsequent Kentucky University offenses often revolved around Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang erupted, much like in the previous game.
Catch-and-shoot three-pointer on a stop!
Fast-break to the corner, angled three-pointer!
Catch and shoot from mid-range off Booker’s drive-and-kick along the baseline!
Zeng Xingyang kept winning over the fans with every shot.
His touch was on fire.
This season, Zeng Xingyang occasionally had these nights where his shooting was ablaze.
This version of Zeng Xingyang was unstoppable.
Every shot seemed to find its mark.
"Amazing shot, well done!"
"This game is incredible."
"Zeng Xingyang seems to be telling all the teams, pick me, pick me."
The University of Kentucky cheerleaders couldn’t resist dancing and celebrating on the sideline.
The Duke University players on the court felt their nerves on edge.
Zeng Xingyang was a massive challenge to Duke University’s defense system.
Coach Calipari’s face beamed with joy, as Kentucky University wouldn’t fall into a hard-fought battle like the last game.
The pressure on Duke University kept mounting on the court.
Duke called another timeout, but after the break, Zeng Xingyang continued his insane performance!
Straight on from beyond the three-point arc.
Left wing from the 45-degree angle beyond the arc.
Zeng Xingyang’s outburst came so suddenly; even when his shot was blocked, he always managed to create an opening through various screens and positionings.
The University of Kentucky, after a season of effort, had grown accustomed to Zeng Xingyang’s playing style, knowing how to make his shots most comfortable.
The more accurate his shooting, the more Coach Calipari devised tactics for him.
Zeng Xingyang did not disappoint his teammates and coach, seizing every scoring opportunity.
"Whoa whoa, Zeng Xingyang facing Winslow’s defense, fakes and directly shoots a three-pointer—whoa, it’s in."
"Oh, the gap keeps widening; the University of Kentucky has victory in their grasp."
"My gosh, Zeng Xingyang sinks another three-pointer, driving Duke University to despair."
"40 points, Zeng Xingyang has broken his career-high record!"
The commentators in the TNT Studio were going wild.
In the first half, Zeng Xingyang already played like a madman, but in the second half, he turned up the intensity another notch.
This offensive firepower showcased Zeng Xingyang’s characteristics completely, lighting up the eyes of many scouts.