Chapter 104: Taking Turns to Strike

Zhu Di’s countless hours of practicing alley-oops with Geng Haoshi had not been in vain; their passing technique was truly impeccable.

The reason Geng Haoshi waited until Zhu Di caught the ball before leaping near the basket was to increase the success rate of their alley-oop dunks.

Once Geng Haoshi received the pass, he immediately slammed down a powerful dunk! With no one to block him this time, it went down smoothly.

Geng Haoshi’s back-to-back alley-oop dunks completely silenced the players and spectators from Wanlong Transportation University.

Today’s game pitted the top-ranked Wanlong Transportation University from the Eastern Division against Tiancheng Polytechnic University, the biggest dark horse in this year’s National College Basketball League, drawing a large contingent of sports journalists.

Witnessing Geng Haoshi’s alley-oops, reporters eagerly snapped their cameras, secretly hoping Tiancheng Polytechnic would win. A victory here would make for a sensational headline.

“Beep—” In the last three minutes of the first quarter, thanks to their combination of full-court man-to-man defense and a “bird-hunting” strategy, Tiancheng Polytechnic finally broke through, scoring six points.

The first quarter ended with Tiancheng Polytechnic trailing 6 to 15.

Back on the sidelines, Geng Haoshi and his teammates gasped for breath. Yu Manman rose from the coach’s seat and approached the players.

“For the second quarter, the five of you will take the court,” she said, pointing to the substitutes: Chen Yu, He Zhikun, Zhang Zhaolong, Lin Zhiling, and Wang Meng.

Chen Yu, standing 5 feet 8 inches, was the backup point guard. He Zhikun, 5 feet 9 inches, the backup shooting guard. Zhang Zhaolong, 6 feet tall, the backup small forward. Lin Zhiling, 5 feet 11 inches, backup power forward. And Wang Meng, 6 feet 1 inch, backup center.

“Us?” Chen Yu, He Zhikun, Zhang Zhaolong, Lin Zhiling, and Wang Meng almost spoke in unison.

Geng Haoshi and the starters were equally surprised. After all, facing the top Eastern Division team with a full bench lineup against their full-strength starters—was this really the right move?

Yu Manman sensed their hesitation and continued, “You’ve all seen it—their players not only have a height advantage but also possess above-average speed and skills. So, full-court man-to-man defense is your best option.”

“But full-court man-to-man is very physically demanding. If the starters stay on the court the whole time, it will be difficult to sustain this tactic later in the game.”

“But we have to use this tactic now! That’s why I need the starters and substitutes to rotate, alternating on the court.”

“When you’re on, give it your all, fight with every ounce of strength. When you’re off, rest well, recover quickly, and prepare for your next turn.”

Yu Manman scanned the team. “Understood?”

The players thought it over and nodded in agreement.

“Also, your low passes earlier… those were good. Keep that up.”

She paused, then addressed all the players directly. “Finally, I want you to play with no holds barred. Don’t be afraid of fouling. Offense requires aggressiveness and dominance. Understand?”

Basketball is a fiercely competitive sport. As the saying goes: when rivals meet on a narrow path, the brave prevail. On this 28-meter long, 15-meter wide court, five players face off against another five. Whoever displays the strongest spirit and skills will claim victory.

“Coach, I have a question,” Geng Haoshi raised his hand.

“Go ahead,” Yu Manman glanced at him, wondering what trouble he might stir up this time.

“Why isn’t Senior Xiao Shan playing?”

Zhou Xiaoshan, standing 5 feet 9 inches, was Tiancheng Polytechnic’s starting point guard.

“He’ll replace Xu Gaofeng later,” Yu Manman replied quickly, anticipating Geng Haoshi’s next question about swapping Xu Gaofeng out. “Against today’s opponent, Xu Gaofeng doesn’t have a height advantage. So, putting in the faster Zhou Xiaoshan will be more beneficial.”

Xu Gaofeng, 5 feet 11 inches, was the team’s starting shooting guard.

“Beep—”

The second quarter began with the entire lineup replaced by the substitutes: Chen Yu, He Zhikun, Zhang Zhaolong, Lin Zhiling, and Wang Meng.

“Are they giving up the game?” a journalist in the stands questioned.

“Looks like there won’t be any dramatic comeback today,” another reporter sighed in disappointment.

Meanwhile, intern reporter Qin Mengmeng was diligently taking notes, jotting down: “Second quarter, full bench lineup on court. Starters resting and conserving energy, preparing for a burst later.”

At first, the five substitutes were a bit tense, facing the top-ranked Eastern Division powerhouse for the first time.

But as the game progressed, they found their rhythm and began to showcase the fruits of their training. With full-court man-to-man defense, low passes, and faster offense than their opponents, Tiancheng Polytechnic kept the score difference within eight points.

During the second quarter, aside from swapping another backup center, Li Jing, in for backup power forward Lin Zhiling, no other substitutions were made.

By halftime, the score stood at 21 to 28, still in Wanlong Transportation University’s favor.

“Good. Your defense and offense left the opponents no breathing room,” Yu Manman praised the substitutes’ performance.

“Although scoring against their tall players is tough, as long as we keep up the full-court man-to-man defense and quick offense, I believe soon they’ll have to bring in some substitutes to compensate for fatigue.”

“If we can disrupt their rhythm and impose ours, we’ll control the game’s tempo. Once we hold the initiative, victory will be ours.”

Instilling the will to win and confidence in the team—this was the mark of a competent coach.

The third quarter started with the five starters—Geng Haoshi, Zhou Xiaoshan, Meng Lang, Zhu Di, and Sun Peng—taking the court. Midway through the quarter, they were replaced once again by Chen Yu, He Zhikun, Zhang Zhaolong, Lin Zhiling, and Wang Meng.