With great difficulty, they regained possession. Zhang Zhenpeng, driven by fierce determination, charged into the paint, hugging the basketball. Caught between the double-team of the twin towers, Feng Chen and Yan Hui, he used his superior jumping ability and hang time to forcefully shoot and make the basket!
His motion was somewhat contorted. After sinking the shot, Zhang Zhenpeng stumbled and fell, startling Yan Hui, who had been part of the double-team. Once he landed, Yan Hui quickly moved to check on him, asking if he was okay.
Zhang Zhenpeng grabbed Yan Hui's wrist and pulled himself up. He patted his rear and said, "This is nothing! Just a small thing! One last shot…"
"This guy isn't as pampered as other rich kids…"
Zhang Tian'ai immediately exposed Zhang Zhenpeng's true nature: "On the basketball court, he's never been delicate…"
The score was now tied at 4:4.
After receiving a pass from Fu Xinyuan, Zhang Zhenpeng faked a crossover near the three-point line, pretending to drive in again. He managed to make Feng Chen stumble back, then stopped abruptly and shot a jump shot from beyond the arc!
A game-winner!
Feng Chen couldn't react in time, and Zhang Zhenpeng's three-pointer swished through the net!
5:4, the rookie team had successfully defeated Yan Hui's team!
Zhang Zhenpeng grabbed the ball with one hand and pointed at He Ximeng on the sideline with the other…
"Hmm… this kid is acting like he's the protagonist of a TV drama, isn't he?"
He Ximeng was speechless. If it weren't for Zhang Zhenpeng's undeniable skill on the court, He Ximeng would have absolutely asked Third Master to expel him from the basketball team. This "Crown Prince" was a bit chuunibyou, a bit too overconfident…
However, Yan Hui's team had lost, and as per their agreement, He Ximeng had to bring on the remaining three veteran players.
Starting small forward Wang Xian, standing 1.92 meters tall and weighing 88 kilograms, possessed excellent stamina and was a strong defender, but lacked in ball-handling offense. His outside shooting was inconsistent. If he could be more stable, he would have the potential of a 3&D player.
Backup center Qin Rui, standing 2.01 meters tall and weighing 92 kilograms, played a style similar to the newcomer Zhu Ningzhen. Both had inconsistent shooting, relying mainly on post-up scoring. Qin Rui had excellent leaping ability and strong post-up skills. He was a stable defender, proficient in defending the paint.
Backup shooting guard Ming Hanfei, standing 1.82 meters tall and weighing 77 kilograms, was very fast and had strong penetration ability but lacked court vision, excelling in transition play.
"You guys have been playing several games in a row, don't you want to rest a bit before continuing?"
Before starting, He Ximeng kindly reminded the rookies. However, they, led by Zhang Zhenpeng, rejected his offer with firm resolve…
The rookie team, having just defeated Yan Hui's team, was riding a wave of momentum and was in a state of exhilaration where they were not acknowledging anyone else.
He Ximeng didn't force the issue and signaled everyone onto the court.
Wang Xian and Ming Hanfei spread out to the left and right, while Qin Rui moved to the high post to set a screen for He Ximeng.
The rookie team had a height advantage. Zhang Zhenpeng instructed Huangfu Yanlin and Fu Xinyuan to guard Wang Xian and Ming Hanfei on the flanks, while he himself directly faced He Ximeng…
"I won't lose to you again today!"
"Don't jump to conclusions. Let's play first…"
With that, He Ximeng used Qin Rui's screen to shake off Zhang Zhenpeng. Zhu Ningzhen immediately switched to defend, attempting to impede He Ximeng's drive.
He Ximeng was decisive with this play, accelerating immediately and driving straight to the basket. After taking off, he dodged Zhu Ningzhen's shot block and scored with a scoop layup.
Simple and efficient, He Ximeng scored the first point.
On the second offensive possession, He Ximeng tried the same tactic, but Zhang Zhenpeng had anticipated it and positioned himself to block He Ximeng's path on the right.
He Ximeng smoothly executed a behind-the-back dribble to bring the ball back, then used Qin Rui's stationary screen, changed direction, and drove down the middle!
As they crossed paths, He Ximeng quietly reminded Qin Rui, "Go deep to the right."
Qin Rui understood. Noticing that both Zhang Zhenpeng and Zhu Ningzhen's attention were drawn to He Ximeng, he shifted his body towards the middle but secretly slipped behind them towards the right baseline…
He Ximeng deliberately slowed his pace, luring Zhang Zhenpeng and Zhu Ningzhen further towards the middle. Then, he executed a left-handed bounce pass while on the move. The ball threaded through the gap between the two defenders and landed precisely in Qin Rui's hands. Qin Rui caught the ball, drove for an layup, and easily scored.
2:0, He Ximeng's team scored another point.
Before the third offensive possession began, Zhang Zhenpeng called to Huangfu Yanlin and Fu Xinyuan on the sides, instructing them to tighten their defensive positions. He preferred allowing Wang Xian and Ming Hanfei to take outside shots rather than letting Qin Rui feast in the paint.
As expected, when the rookie team tightened their defense, He Ximeng's attempts to connect with Qin Rui were repeatedly thwarted. Forced to adapt, He Ximeng passed the ball outwards.
Wang Xian received an open three-point opportunity from the high post on the left. He Ximeng urged Wang Xian to shoot confidently, but the three-pointer still hit the rim and bounced out. Zhu Ningzhen secured the rebound, and possession was exchanged.
Zhang Zhenpeng ran directly to the three-point line to receive the pass. The player defending Zhang Zhenpeng was not He Ximeng, but Wang Xian.
Wang Xian played the primary defense, with He Ximeng providing help defense.
Zhang Zhenpeng felt slighted and wanted to drive past Wang Xian head-on. However, to his surprise, Wang Xian's defensive capabilities were much better than he had anticipated…