pertwk Chapter 7: 10 three-pointers in a single game, advancing to the next round!
Chapter 7: 10 three-pointers in a single game, advancing to the next round!
Coach Roy Williams never dreamed that the Chinese player, who averaged 1.2 points per game, would become the biggest variable in the final game of the NCAA quarterfinals.
He came off the bench for 10 minutes in the first half, shooting 6-for-7 from the field and 5-for-6 from three-point range, scoring 17 points and leading the Arizona Wildcats to a 45-39 lead over the Kansas Ravenclaws.
The Ravenhawks' targeted tactics were undeniably successful, as the Wildcats' original core player, Jason Garnard, performed terribly.
But this Chinese player who suddenly appeared out of nowhere is even more terrifying than Jason Garnard.
That damn shooting ability is absolutely hopeless!
Kirk Hinrich's defense is considered very good for an NCAA guard, but he still couldn't find a way to deal with Hansen Lee.
Those attempts to interfere were completely ineffective; Hansen Lee shot as if there were no obstacles at all, as if he were playing a shooting game!
"Damn it, this guy's been quiet all season, but then he exploded in this game!"
Coach Roy Williams was furious. If they didn't target Hansen Lee in the second half, the game was over!
The Arizona Wildcats' locker room is much more harmonious.
While everyone was still reeling from Li He's insanely accurate shooting, Lute Olsen's roar snapped them back to reality:
"Enough! The first half is over, let's not dwell on what happened before!"
"We're only leading by 6 points, what's there to be happy about!"
"We must continue to give it our all in the second half; our goal is to win the championship!"
"Now I'll outline the tactics for the second half!"
According to Coach Lute Olsen's plan, Li He will only have 3 minutes of playing time in the first half, and will be substituted immediately if he misses two shots.
This is what role players are treated like, and they basically get this treatment in any league.
As a result, Li He delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 17 points in half a quarter and becoming the team's top scorer.
The tactics for the second half will definitely have to be geared towards him.
This Wildcats team doesn't have any big-name stars, but under Lute Olsen's coaching, the team has a very cohesive style, with players selflessly sharing the ball, which lays a good foundation for developing tactics.
……
The second half resumed quickly.
The final 20 minutes will determine the ultimate fate of both teams this year; the loser will have no room for error and will be eliminated immediately.
The winner will advance to the semifinals and compete for the March Madness championship!
The Kansas Ravenclaws tried to get off to a good start in the second half, creating opportunities through passing and hitting a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
However, the Arizona Wildcats also performed very well, keeping the score around 5 points throughout.
Whenever the Ravens closed the gap, they were met with a merciless three-pointer from Li He.
Accurate, incredibly accurate!
It's so accurate it's terrifying!
Those effortless long-range shots became a nightmare for the Raven Eagles!
With 2 minutes and 31 seconds left in the game, Li He, through Iguodala's screen, found an open opportunity with a baseline run.
Luke Walton faked a drive and passed the ball to Li He, who then drained a three-pointer!
77 is better than 65!
"Oh...!!!"
"Hansen Lee has hit his 10th three-pointer of the game! He's already scored 37 points tonight!"
"He became the Wildcats' secret weapon!"
"This was absolutely the most perfect solo performance in this year's top 8 to top 4 round!"
"Friends, perhaps you should remember this match. This talented player from China may very well have set sail from this game!"
This three-pointer became the final straw for the Ravens, and there was no turning back.
The score was 82-72 the instant the final whistle blew.
The Arizona Wildcats defeated the Kansas Ravenclaws to advance to the NCAA Final Four!
The fans gave him the warmest applause. In just one game, they made sure to remember the name "Hansen Lee"!
"We won!"
"We've advanced!"
The entire Wildcats team cheered and rushed onto the field to celebrate together.
They surrounded Li He, patting his head and patting his shoulders, sharing in his joy.
"Damn! Hansen, you've been hiding it well! 10 three-pointers in a single game, you're the best shooter this year!"
"Keep up the momentum! We definitely have a chance to win the championship!"
Li He was genuinely happy and celebrated with his teammates.
The idea of "friendship first, competition second" is a lie; victory is the main theme of competitive sports.
The winner takes all!
The Kansas Ravenclaws' NCAA journey this year has come to an end. Head coach Roy Williams felt a deep sense of powerlessness. He had made thorough preparations before the game, but unexpectedly, the number 31 player completely disrupted his plans.
He hit 10 three-pointers in a single game, an accuracy that was utterly disheartening.
Hinrich, who was matched up against Li He, stared at Li He across the court for a while, silently memorizing the name.
"Amazing shooter, see you in the NBA! If you get the chance."
With this, the NCAA Final Four have been officially determined.
They are Syracuse University, led by Cameron Anthony;
Marquette University, led by Dwyane Wade;
The University of Texas led by T.J. Ford;
And the University of Arizona, where Li He is located.
It's worth noting that none of the traditional powerhouses made it to the final four this year; teams like Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina were eliminated long ago.
This is also the most exciting part of NCAA March Madness, where a single game decides the winner and any outcome is possible.
CBS's on-site reporter Bonnie Bernsteins approached Li He immediately after the match.
This young player from China was undoubtedly the biggest contributor to the victory.
"Hansen, you played wonderfully today! Can you describe how you feel?"
This was Li He's first interview, and he seemed a little reserved in front of the camera.
"I'm happy and grateful to everyone on the team, but our goals go beyond that."
A very standard answer.
Li He had no intention of seeking attention in the media, because he found it pointless.
What legitimate player deals with the media every day?
……
Inside the changing room.
The Wildcats were overjoyed. Li He, the hero who helped them advance, was surrounded by his teammates who poured water over his head.
Coach Lute Olsen stopped the commotion: "That's enough, Hansen, come with me for the post-match interview."
"OK, boss."
After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Li He appeared with Lute Olsen at the post-match interview.
2003 was already recognized by the media as a big year for the draft, and the NCAA quarterfinals were also exceptionally popular.
People love watching these kinds of thrilling underdog stories, and Li He, who was once hailed as the "future of Chinese basketball" but actually spent a year on the bench with the Wildcats, perfectly fits all the criteria.
Click.
Click click.
As soon as Li He sat down, he felt the enthusiasm of the media, with various camera lenses snapping pictures at him.
Coach Lute Olsen gave a brief summary of the match, while the reporter's question was even more incisive:
"Coach Lute, what's your assessment of Hansen Lee's performance? Was it just a flash in the pan, or is he the Wildcats' secret weapon?"
Lute Olsen smiled slightly:
"Without a doubt, Hansen Lee possesses top-notch shooting skills, which can be seen from the game. I have complete confidence in his shooting ability."
"He has the potential to become a super shooter and is the biggest dark horse of the year, bar none."
Li He glanced at the old coach and thought to himself, "Isn't this the time when you said my shooting was like the Rockets' Shaq?"