After He Ximeng hit this three-pointer, the United team also made adjustments, with Yu Chu and Fu Zai Feng coming on, and Xiao Yu and Yuan Zhang Yang going off.
Yu Chu wanted to try having Fu Zai Feng guard Yuan Zhang Yang, but the result wasn't much different.
Yuan Zhang Yang couldn't guard He Ximeng, and Fu Zai Feng couldn't guard He Ximeng either.
Under He Ximeng's relentless scoring and playmaking, Zhuji Middle School led the United team by 3 points at 23:20 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the United team, during He Ximeng's rest, managed to catch up and even led Zhuji Middle School by 4 points.
He Ximeng immediately called for a timeout, adjusted the lineup, and returned to the court, helping Zhuji Middle School regain their footing with a three-pointer.
Subsequently, He Ximeng used himself as bait to draw the United team's focus, delivering consecutive assists to Feng Chen and Zhang Zhen Peng for inside scores. By halftime, Zhuji Middle School had caught up, and the two teams were tied.
The second half began with He Ximeng accelerating the pace, leveraging Zhuji Middle School's full roster advantage. After all, with seven teammates available as backups, fatigue was manageable.
The United team, however, was in a tougher spot. With only seven players in total, even with quick rotations, their stamina was difficult to maintain.
With He Ximeng orchestrating the plays, there wasn't a significant difference between Zhuji Middle School's starting and reserve players in executing their tactics. The only noticeable difference was that Zhuji's defense was stronger when Yan Hui and Zhang Zhen Peng were on the court.
As a result, by the end of the third quarter, Zhuji Middle School had once again extended their lead to 5 points.
In the final quarter, after discussion, the United team decided to go all-in with a three-point strategy.
Yu Zhi Bo led the charge, with Hu Yun Long close behind.
Upon realizing the United team's shift, He Ximeng decided to engage in a shootout.
He Ximeng fielded Yan Hui, Zhang Zhen Peng, Wang Xian, Tang Chen Feng, and himself.
In this lineup, apart from Yan Hui not being a three-point shooter, He Ximeng was the team's highest three-point percentage player, followed by Wang Xian, with Tang Chen Feng and Zhang Zhen Peng being comparable.
He Ximeng, using his driving and passing abilities, first involved Wang Xian and Tang Chen Feng on the wings, then Zhang Zhen Peng at the high post, and finally took occasional shots himself.
With fast breaks and three-point shots, once He Ximeng ignited Zhuji Middle School's overall three-point offensive strategy, their scoring efficiency became frighteningly high!
The United team eventually regretted their decision to gamble on a three-point strategy. Had they stuck to steady half-court offense, they wouldn't have lost by such a large margin without this final three-point barrage.
75:85, in the end, the two teams played a high-scoring game.
The United team lost to Zhuji Middle School by 10 points, marking another defeat for the group of experts who came for "revenge."
"He's a monster! We lost with this kind of lineup?"
After the game, Chen Qiu Dao still found it hard to believe the outcome.
"Tell me about it. Zhuji's fast break is too formidable now. It gives me the feeling of facing Hui Pu Middle School..."
Before Yuan Zhang Yang could speak, Yu Zhi Bo interrupted him, "Hui Pu Middle School doesn't have such sharp three-point shooting..."
"Hui Pu's fast break only focuses on attacking the basket..."
"The home court basket also provides a certain advantage, increasing their outside shooting percentage..."
"This has little to do with whether it's a home court; it's mainly because Zhuji Middle School's fast break tactics differ significantly from Hui Pu Middle School's... How should I put it..."
"The combination of drives and three-pointers is more potent!"
"Exactly! Zhuji Middle School's offense is now more balanced in all aspects. If you try to shut down the inside, they'll shoot from outside. If you try to shut down the outside, they'll attack the inside..."
"They even change their approach before you can contain them, making it impossible to pinpoint their focus..."
"In short, they're amazing! If things go smoothly for Zhuji Middle School this year, their results could rival Hui Pu Middle School's..."
"No way? Hui Pu Middle School was a Final Four team in the national tournament last year! Does that mean..."
"Anything is possible!"
"I'm so envious! If I'd known Zhuji Middle School was this strong this year, I would have transferred here after the national tournament ended last year..."
"It's too late! Our national tournament has already concluded. Let's go back to school, study hard, and prepare for the college entrance exam..."
"The teams that reached the second stage of the national tournament indeed have something special..."
"Zhuji Middle School is not what it used to be. After all, they defeated Hui Pu Middle School and eliminated Hangzhou No. 4 High School to become champions!"
"Speaking of Hangzhou No. 4 High School, did Liu Yu Dong graduate early and report to the Shuang Lu Youth Team?"
"That's old news. The latest information I have is that Liu Yu Dong has been selected for the Shuang Lu team's reserve roster..."
"So quickly? He hasn't been in the youth team for even a month, has he?"
"Who would have thought... He's probably a standout there too..."
After the game, players from the United team and Zhuji mingled, their conversation still revolving around basketball.
They chatted amongst themselves, and while they were surprised by Zhuji Middle School's rapid growth, they accepted the result of being outplayed.
Chen Qiu Dao's theatrical "regret" over not joining Zhuji Middle School also drew laughter from everyone.
This is the nature of basketball; it binds together strangers through a shared passion, creating common ground for conversation.
Zhang Tian Ai and Cui Tian Ci, as support staff, called everyone to the sidelines to get water.
"Damn! They have Red Bull and Coke? Beautiful lady, give me a bottle of Red Bull, please?"
Zhang Tian Ai rolled her eyes at the nonchalant Yuan Zhang Yang and handed him a bottle of mineral water.
Yuan Zhang Yang was taken aback and complained in a low voice, "Why do they get to drink soda while I get mineral water? Is this how you treat guests?"
Chen Qiu Dao kindly pulled Yuan Zhang Yang aside and advised, "Listen to what the Zhuji people are calling that beauty."
Yuan Zhang Yang pricked up his ears and noticed that those who called Zhang Tian Ai "sister-in-law" generally received Coke. Those who were more direct and bold, calling her "captain's wife," got Red Bull.
Yuan Zhang Yang quickly put down the mineral water and approached Zhang Tian Ai again, trying this method.
"Um, sister-in-law, right? Could I trouble you for a bottle of Coke?"
Zhang Tian Ai gave him a smile and replied, "You want Red Bull, right? Here you go!"
Yuan Zhang Yang immediately gave her a thumbs-up and praised, "Captain's wife is generous!"
"Is one bottle enough? Would you like another bottle of Red Bull?"
...
All good things must come to an end.
The United team came with high spirits and left content.
Although they suffered another defeat, they felt a sense of peace within. Had they actually defeated Zhuji Middle School, they might have felt even more discontent.
"Since you've defeated us, you have an obligation to help us continue our national tournament dream..."
"That's right~ Don't lose, remember to keep winning!"
"At least aim for the Final Four, right?"
"Final Four? Four is not enough! We have to face the strongest team in the country, Tsinghua High School!"
...
Before the United team departed, they spoke their minds, seemingly requesting He Ximeng, but it sounded as if he owed them something.
The self-esteem of high school students can be endearingly stubborn.
He Ximeng smiled and accepted it all. In fact, compared to He Ximeng's unfathomable ambition, their dreams were indeed small.
Just as He Ximeng was about to agree, Zhang Zhen Peng, that rascal, chest-thumped and jumped out to steal the spotlight.
"You old guys should just go to university with peace of mind! I will inherit your unfinished dreams! Even if He Ximeng doesn't achieve his goal this year, I will lead Zhuji Middle School to fulfill it for you next year... Hahaha..."
The United team exchanged glances. Yu Zhi Bo was the first to give Zhang Zhen Peng the middle finger, followed by Yuan Zhang Yang and Chen Qiu Dao. Fu Zai Feng and Xiao Yu, and Yu Chu were more gracious, being the slowest to respond.
The gym doors opened, and the seven members of the United team, carrying their gym bags in their left hands slung over their shoulders, raised their right hands in unison. In the golden sunset, their seven waving figures gradually receded.
Just like youth, it never returns.