Chương 63: A Night of Shattered Records
"I think it's Lamar Odom, particularly Odom defending the three-pointers," Barkley mused aloud, then immediately reconsidered.
"On offense, Odom was versatile, known for his all-around skills. Lian Dao resembles him as a power forward in height, with mid-range and long-range shooting abilities (though a bit short on three-pointers), plus dribbling and slashing capabilities," Barkley explained.
"But Odom's footwork inside allowed him to score with finesse around the basket, a skill Lian Dao hasn't mastered yet. Though Lian Dao might develop that in the future," Barkley speculated.
"Odom's strength in the power forward position wasn't dominant, so he used his speed and technique against slower, stronger opponents," Barkley continued, acknowledging Odom's strategic play.
"Lian Dao has strength advantages, but how that translates to the NBA's power forward position remains uncertain," Barkley admitted.
"Odom excelled in mid-range shooting, choosing his shots wisely despite not being as accurate from three-point range—a contrast to Lian Dao, who's a sharpshooter from beyond the arc but less consistent in mid-range," Barkley noted.
"On defense, Lian Dao is solid, unlike Odom who faced limitations due to strength and flexibility issues at the power forward spot," Barkley differentiated.
Kenny disagreed with Barkley's comparison, leaning towards McGrady as a more fitting template.
"McGrady and Lian Dao share similarities in height and wingspan. McGrady was also a reliable three-point shooter, evidenced by his iconic '35 seconds, 13 points' moment," Kenny added, supporting his viewpoint.
On the court, the Louisville Cardinals struggled to contain USC's scoring, making a comeback seem impossible.
Louisville Cardinals' fans were filled with despair. In the last 8 minutes of the second half, many had already begun to leave the arena.
Meanwhile, USC's fans cheered exuberantly.
With a minute left, USC held a commanding 22-point lead over the Louisville Cardinals, at 103-81.
Tim decided to substitute all the starters. It was clear that unless Louisville managed a miraculous comeback in just one minute, USC had secured the victory.
In the end, there was no McGrady moment in this NCAA game, nor for the Louisville Cardinals.
The final score settled at 105-85 in favor of USC.
"Sickle, did you know? You've shattered two NCAA records for three-pointers!"
When Tim shared the news with Lian Dao that he had broken records for both single-game and single-season three-pointers, Lian Dao was utterly astonished.
The single-season record wasn't a surprise, as he had been close after the last game. But Lian Dao hadn't realized he had set a new mark for three-pointers in a single game.
In the final 10 minutes, most of Lian Dao's shots were instinctual, driven by muscle memory. He had lost count of his three-pointers during the game.
Upon being subbed out, Tim informed Lian Dao of his record-breaking achievement, and it finally dawned on him.
As the news flashed across the big screen, USC fans erupted in jubilation, not leaving the arena but staying to witness and celebrate Lian Dao's remarkable feat.
Even Louisville Cardinals' fans paused their exit, joining in applause for the 19-year-old breaking NCAA records with his exceptional three-point display.
Records endure because they're achieved by legends, and witnessing such historic moments becomes a source of pride for a lifetime.
This game pushed Lian Dao to his physical limits. Constantly double-teamed, he nearly hit rock bottom in the last ten minutes but persevered.
After playing a tough 39-minute game, this marked Lian Dao's longest time on the court. He made an impressive 20 out of 32 shots, including 16 of 24 three-pointers, scoring a new career high of 55 points in NCAA history. This performance not only broke the single-game record for the most three-pointers since Keith Viney's 15 in 1996 but also exceeded Stephen Curry's season record of 162 three-pointers, extending it to 169. USC advancing to the NCAA semifinals means Lian Dao's record-breaking spree may not yet be over.
Louisville Cardinals fans who left early missed the chance to witness a potential legend in action. They unwittingly became part of NCAA history, albeit as spectators on the losing side of an extraordinary performance.
Looking at Lian Dao, the Louisville Cardinals felt a mix of admiration and disappointment. Rick Pitino, visibly impressed by Lian Dao's skills, could only shake his head in awe.
It was a rare moment of helplessness for the experienced coach, contemplating the impact of a single player's dominance.
As the game concluded, Rick Pitino turned his thoughts to the upcoming press conference, where he expected to face the media alone.
Despite the defeat, Lian Dao, DeMar, and Gibson emerged as the stars of the press conference. Gibson's outstanding triple-double performance of 18 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 blocks captured attention, potentially boosting his draft prospects into the top 15.
DeMar, recognized for his robust physicality and accurate mid-range shooting, maintained his top-ten draft status going into March Madness. His consistent performance throughout the tournament, coupled with Lian Dao's record-breaking feats, garnered increased interest from NBA teams. The competitive draft landscape highlighted the significance placed on athleticism and scoring prowess, setting the stage for an intriguing draft process ahead.
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