Chapter 10: A Perfect Performance to End the Game

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Hollis Price, the captain of the Oklahoma Sooners, was instrumental in securing the team's number one seed during the qualifiers. Most fans anticipated today's game to be a showcase of Price's talents, but during the first half, his role as an outside shooter was significantly diminished. Instead, the focus shifted to the North Carolina Wolfpack's number 9, a towering presence who stole the spotlight.

This lack of attention frustrated Hollis Price, who was aiming for the NBA draft this year. With scouts present at every game during March Madness, it was crucial to have standout stats to attract their attention.

With five minutes left in the first half and the Wolfpack's starters rotating out, Price seized his moment. He showcased his array of skills—three-pointers, drives, and finishes—amassing personal stats and helping his team narrow the deficit.

At halftime, the score stood at 32-45, a 13-point difference. The Oklahoma Sooners' coach sighed in relief as they headed to the locker room.

"Just... huff, huff... win this game, and we're one step closer to the championship," Price panted, drawing the attention of his teammates. Their expressions were a mix of admiration and guilt, particularly from Bookert and Jabahri Brown.

"Hollis, keep your energy up. We'll win this," the coach encouraged, though his mind lingered on Wang Song's face, gritting his teeth in determination.

In contrast, the North Carolina Wolfpack's locker room buzzed with excitement. Their first-half performance exceeded expectations, and the young players were on the verge of tearing the room apart in celebration. Herb Sendek stood outside, listening with a smile before entering with a stern expression.

"The game isn't over yet, boys!" he admonished. "You're facing the number one seed. Don't get complacent over a small lead... unless you want to start your offseason early and miss the rest of March Madness."

His mix of threats and incentives quickly calmed the room. "The second half will be tougher. Use this break to recover. Remember, the game ends only when the final whistle blows."

Soon, halftime ended, and the second half began. Fans were anxious, especially those rooting for the Sooners.

"We're down 13 points! Come on, Sooners, start the second half with a 13-0 run!"

"Not likely, unless Hollis Price prays to the basketball gods for Ray Allen's shooting touch..."

"Price was solid in the first half, especially towards the end. If he keeps it up, we might close the gap," some fans reassured themselves.

As the game resumed, Wang Song reentered, and Herb Sendek realized the Asian center was their anchor. His impact on rebounding and setting screens was unmatched by any other big man on the team.

"Maybe... he really has first-round potential," Sendek mused, watching Wang.

Immediately, Wang dashed the home fans' hopes for a 13-0 run. Using a screen, he cut to the basket and passed to a teammate in the corner, who drained a three-pointer. The Sooners' players and fans felt the crushing blow.

Despite Price's explosive start to the second half, hitting consecutive threes, the Sooners couldn't sustain the momentum. Wang's consistent play—setting screens, protecting the paint, and securing rebounds—nullified their efforts. The Sooners had no strong center to counter Wang, and as the score widened, their individualistic play failed against the Wolfpack's teamwork.

With five minutes left, Sendek subbed Wang out. He had played 29 minutes, scoring 8 points, grabbing 12 rebounds (6 offensive), and dishing out 7 assists—all without a single turnover.

As the game wound down, Price's efforts were in vain, only padding his stats without affecting the outcome. The final buzzer sounded, and North Carolina Wolfpack triumphed over the top-seeded Oklahoma Sooners with a decisive 85-67 victory.

On the sidelines, Assistant Coach Jim wept with joy, hugging Sendek tightly. "Boss, we did it! Wang was incredible!"

Sendek, equally emotional, patted Jim's back with a deep sigh of relief.

In stark contrast, the Oklahoma Sooners' coaching staff was in disarray. The head coach stormed off the court, fuming, before the game even officially ended.

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