บท 55: Victory Against the Odds
USC called for a timeout which sparked a mix of frustration and disbelief among their fans, who had hoped for a better outcome in this crucial game. Even the commentators had all but conceded, remarking on the near-impossibility of scoring in just three seconds against Michigan State's formidable defense.
The scouts, however, saw beyond the immediate result. Regardless of the game's outcome, Lian Dao and DeMar had showcased their potential to be key players, leaving a lasting impression on the observers.
The USC players were visibly disappointed, facing the prospect of falling short after a semester of hard work.
"It's not over yet! We still have time, we still have a chance!" Lian Dao's voice cut through the despondency, rallying his teammates.
"Do you want to carry the weight of defeat again? Trust me, we can turn this around!"
Lian Dao's words ignited a fire in the hearts of his teammates. They shouted encouragement to each other, refusing to accept defeat, especially the seniors who were determined to leave their mark on campus with a victory.
"Give me the ball, set up a pick-and-roll," Lian Dao commanded as the game resumed.
Michigan State tightened their defense around Lian Dao, denying him space to receive the ball. Undeterred, Lian Dao signaled to Daniel Hackett, who lobbed the ball high above the crowd towards Lian Dao.
Using his body to shield off defenders, Lian Dao leaped to secure the ball, swiftly maneuvering past his opponents with a deceptive move.
With just seconds ticking away, Lian Dao sprinted towards the center line, then adjusted his position and released a shot.
As the basketball soared through the air, the final buzzer was heard and time seemed to slow down. All eyes were fixed on the trajectory of the ball as it approached the hoop.
"Swish!"
"Oh my God, he did it! What an incredible shot!" The crowd erupted as the scoreboard flipped to 80-79 in USC's favor.
Lian Dao pumped his fist in triumph, celebrating the game-winning shot. His teammates rushed to him in a jubilant frenzy, piling on top in a victorious heap. Amidst the joyous chaos, DeMar's voice emerged from beneath the pile.
"Don't crush me, guys! Let me out!" DeMar's muffled protests added a touch of humor to the euphoric moment as USC celebrated their hard-fought victory.
"Oh, this is incredible. You never know what miracle will happen in the next moment!"
"Let's congratulate USC on making it to the National Top 8!" The commentators went wild.
Watching the players celebrate from the sidelines, Lian Dao smirked.
"You did it. You're a natural leader, with a big heart," Tim remarked, looking proudly at the joyful players.
Reflecting on Lian Dao's crucial role in the game-winning play, Tim felt both admiration and realization. During the important timeout, when Lian Dao had rallied his teammates with those inspiring words, Tim knew then that Lian Dao had the qualities of a future team leader—one of the best.
Tim regretted not voicing those encouraging words himself during the timeout, but at the time, he lacked the confidence and was burdened by the fear of failure. Yet, Lian Dao, just 19 years old, had stepped up, shouldering the pressure of the final attack with courage and determination.
Success or failure aside, Tim's belief in Lian Dao's future was strengthened by this performance. The young man had shown not just skill but also the grit and leadership that marked him for greatness.
Amidst the cheers, there were tears of sorrow on the Michigan State side. Goran Sutton, facing the end of his NCAA career with a loss, couldn't hold back his emotions. The disappointment of falling short in the round of 16 for the second consecutive year weighed heavily on him.
Tom Izzo, too, looked bewildered. He had intended to teach Lian Dao a lesson, but instead, Lian Dao had defied the odds with a shot that sealed the game—a shot Izzo hadn't expected, leaving him questioning if he was falling behind in his coaching strategies.
Lian Dao's heroic, ultra-long three-pointer had left a lasting impression on the scouts. In their notebooks, they noted not just his skill but also his immense heart and leadership qualities—a player destined for recognition across the United States.
After today, Lian Dao's name would resonate far and wide, marking the rise of a new basketball star.
...
"Oh, Michigan State wasn't aiming for a three-pointer at all; they just wanted a reliable two-pointer."
"Yeah, USC is in a tough spot now."
"Three seconds left; it's such a short time. How will they manage?"
At this moment, CCTV 5 was broadcasting the Southern California vs. Michigan State University game.
The commentators, Yang Yi and Yu Jia, were discussing the intense match.
"Wow, Lian Dao's three-point shooting is really on point. He's made five in a row in the second half!"
"And that 2+1 play too!"
In a small shop near a middle school, the owner watched the game on TV with a group of students who had skipped class to catch the NCAA action.
They had all anticipated CCTV 5 broadcasting the Southern California vs. Michigan State match, though it fell on a school day, leading these students to sneak out to watch.
The shop owner grinned widely; today's sales were quadruple the usual, thanks to the students buying snacks while glued to the game.
Watching Lian Dao in his red No. 1 jersey on TV, the shop owner couldn't help but think: red really brings good luck!
"Alright, they're back from the timeout. Oh, Michigan's defense against Lian Dao is as tough as nails."
"Yeah, USC's struggling to find openings."
"Here comes the high pass to Lian Dao, a quick fake to get past his defender."
"Time's ticking!"
"A three-pointer from the logo—bold move!"
"Oh, he sinks it! USC beats Michigan State University!"
The excited commentary of Yang Yi and Yu Jia echoed through the TV.
"That's amazing—a super long-range three-pointer!"
"I want to try that too!"
The students watching erupted in cheers at Lian Dao's game-winning shot, inspiring them with his daring and skill.
This scene wasn't just in schools; it played out in offices too.
In one company, all eyes were glued to the small video window on computer screens, fists clenched in suspense until Lian Dao made the decisive shot.
"Yes!" exclaimed an employee at his workstation.
"What's up? Finished your report?" asked the team leader, approaching.
"It's done. I mean, the game's over!" the employee replied, his attention still on the screen.
"Ah, pity I missed it. I got called into a meeting halfway through," the team leader regretted.
"Yeah, Southern California won with an ultra-long three-pointer at the buzzer!"
"Nice!" The team leader fist-bumped his desk, wishing he hadn't missed the thrilling finish.
"I'll catch the highlights online," he said, turning to leave, then paused. "You're into basketball? Let's play sometime!"
The employee grinned, happy to have found common ground with his boss. "Sure thing, boss. Whenever you're free!"
Their shared interest in basketball bridged the gap between them, leaving both looking forward to future games—both on and off the court.
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