The Fate of the Dark Horse

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The next night, at 8:30 p.m., the Charlotte Bobcats Arena was buzzing with excitement.

This usually quiet stadium was packed for the third consecutive game.

The match between Butler University and the University of North Carolina was about to start in half an hour, and the fans had already filled the stands.

After this game, the Bobcats would return to their regular games, and it would be hard to witness such an electric atmosphere again.

"Welcome to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals broadcasted by CBS!"

The booming voice of CBS commentator Jim Nantz rang out to the audience in front of their TVs:

"Tonight, Butler University faces off against the University of North Carolina in the Eastern Conference finals to determine the first team to enter the Final Four. As we all know, North Carolina is a traditional powerhouse, while Butler University has emerged as a dark horse in recent years. North Carolina boasts a star-studded lineup, but Butler University has Coach Gonzalez and Stephen Curry, two of the most talked-about figures in the NCAA. Who will prevail? Stay tuned!"

"Before this game, CBS had the good fortune of inviting Hornets legend Dell Curry to be the co-commentator. Dell, who has experience as a local commentator in Charlotte, joins us now... Dell, your son is about to play in the Elite Eight. Do you have any thoughts?"

Dell, sitting next to Jim Nantz, chuckled as he cleared his throat:

"I'm jealous."

"Jealous?" Jim Nantz raised an eyebrow.

"I never made it to the Elite Eight when I was at Virginia Tech. My kid's going to rub that in when he gets home."

"Haha! But you're the Hornets' all-time leading scorer… Let's get back to tonight's game. How do you compare the strengths of both teams?" Jim Nantz shifted back to the game.

"North Carolina is stronger. They have the best starting five since Florida's team," Dell said confidently.

Despite his son being on one side, he remained neutral in his assessment.

"So, does Butler stand a chance?" Jim Nantz probed further.

While the two continued to build excitement in the commentary booth, the University of North Carolina, boasting what Dell described as the "most luxurious starting lineup," was preparing in their locker room.

Legendary coach Roy Williams addressed his players with a solemn tone:

"Guys, don't underestimate them. We're facing a team in the Elite Eight! Stephen Curry just posted a triple-double in the last game. He's their offensive core. We need to shut him down... Danny, he's your responsibility. Got it?"

Danny Green nodded confidently:

"Coach, don't worry, I'll lock him down."

Known for his defense and three-point shooting, Green was North Carolina's designated stopper. His role was clear.

"Tyler, their interior defense is weak. You know what to do: attack the paint! If they collapse on you, kick it out... Ty, your primary job is to feed Tyler. Only shoot when his lane is cut off, understood?"

Hansbrough and Ty Lawson nodded. This was a familiar strategy for North Carolina—attack inside first, then go outside if needed, based on the opponent's defensive strength.

Against Butler, which had a strong perimeter defense, Hansbrough would have room to dominate.

"Remember, we are North Carolina. We are the Tar Heels. We are unbeatable! Let's go out and get this win!" Roy Williams' voice rang out with conviction.

The team huddled, shouted their battle cry, and stormed out of the locker room.

The roar that greeted them as they stepped onto the court was deafening.

If Curry made Virginia Tech feel like they were playing on the road in their last game, today, North Carolina was clearly on home turf.

Never doubt the massive appeal of North Carolina and Duke in this state. Unless they're playing each other, they rule the courts with fanatical support.

On the other side of the court, Butler University's players wore grim expressions; the sea of blue seemed overwhelming.

Many hardcore Tar Heel fans, their faces painted, even hurled insults at the Bulldogs, though most of that was quickly silenced by the security.

Coach Gonzalez frowned and gathered his players together, raising his voice:

"We've got enemies on all sides. Are you scared?"

"No!" the Bulldogs shouted back.

Coach Gonzalez nodded approvingly:

"Good! This is nothing new for us. Think back to last year when we were the underdogs! We were born to be the dark horse. Let's show them what respect really means!"

The team came together, huddling as they shouted their battle cry before heading onto the court.

A camera zoomed in on Curry, whose calm, determined eyes were fixed on the North Carolina players.

"Looks like Curry is ready to do something special tonight!" Jim Nantz exclaimed.

"Even though they're up against a giant, his will to fight is unmistakable," Dell Curry added, his tone level but proud.

Soon after, both teams took the court.

Butler University maintained its regular starting five—point guard Curry, shooting guard Graves, small forward Butler, power forward Campbell, and center Drew.

On North Carolina's side, the starting five featured Ty Lawson at point guard, Marcus Ginyard at shooting guard, Danny Green at small forward, Wayne Ellington at power forward, and Hansbrough at center.

As the referee blew the whistle and tossed the ball into the air, Drew and Hansbrough met at center court for the jump ball. The game was on!

"Drew wins the opening tip! Hansbrough's jumping ability is average, to say the least... Curry advances the ball. The Hokies double-teamed him early in the last game. Let's see what the Tar Heels do."

"I think they'll go one-on-one," Dell Curry predicted.

"Let's find out. Curry runs a pick-and-roll with Drew. Lawson and Hansbrough switch on defense. It looks like they want to guard Curry one-on-one! But we've seen Curry's incredible ability to exploit bigger, slower defenders. Will Hansbrough become his latest victim?"

"Curry steps back, shakes Hansbrough, and launches a three! Oh, just missed! That was a gorgeous move, though," Jim Nantz remarked, slightly disappointed.

On the court, Curry quickly hustled back on defense after the miss.

The shot felt good; Hansbrough's slow footwork allowed Curry to create space with ease. He had a clean look—just needed a little more touch.

The game was far from over.

End of this chapter

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