Chapter 6: RSCI Rankings

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The March Madness tournament was in full swing, with a tight schedule. During the ranking matches, the single-elimination format meant each team faced a new opponent almost every other day, a huge test of players' stamina.

**Game Day!**

Fresh off their comeback victory, the North Carolina Wolfpack's celebrations had barely ended when they faced their next opponent: the number one seed in the Eastern Division, the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Sooners, the hometown favorites in Oklahoma City, were strong contenders for the Eastern Division championship, vastly different from the California Golden Bears. Dominant in the East, beating them would mean almost stepping onto the Eastern Champion's podium.

Herb Sendek and Jim gathered the spirited players, leading them onto the bus heading to the arena. After his crucial performance in the last game, Wang Song felt a noticeable shift in his team's dynamics, with teammates frequently greeting him, even as he sat quietly by the window.

"Wang, do you know we're up against the number one seed, Oklahoma Sooners, today?"

"Their guard is incredibly fast, his drive is NBA-level."

"Marcus, stop demoralizing everyone before the game. What if Wang gets anxious and plays poorly?" Josh Powell, who fouled out last game, stepped in, pushing Marcus aside. "If Hollis Price was that great, why was he ranked only 50th in the RSCI? If he had NBA talent, he'd be drafted by now instead of padding his stats in the NCAA!"

Marcus, though chided, just scratched his head and grinned. "Sure, but he's no match for our national seventh-ranked Hodge."

Julius Hodge, mentioned by Marcus, just shyly scratched his head, while Wang Song watched North Carolina's playful banter with amusement.

Being familiar with internet searches, Wang Song knew about the Oklahoma Sooners. North Carolina had faced them twice in the regular season, losing narrowly both times. He remembered their arrogance well from his spot on the bench.

**Lloyd Noble Center.**

The Eastern quarterfinals were held here. As the North Carolina Wolfpack's bus arrived, they were met not with cheers but with boos. A crowd in red and white Sooners jerseys greeted them, creating a hostile atmosphere that felt like an away game, despite the neutral venue.

Leading the team off the bus, Herb Sendek quickly walked into the arena, noting the intense hometown spirit. Jim, escorting the players, commented on the strong local support. Inside, the Sooners were already warming up, casting glances and murmuring about the North Carolina players.

"They finally showed up. I thought they didn't need warm-ups!"

"They look scrawny compared to California's team. Hard to believe they won!"

"I read some Asian player carried them in overtime. Must have had a lucky break."

The Sooners' captain, Hollis Price, quieted the chatter with a cough. "Whether it's the Wolfpack or the Golden Bears, it doesn't matter. Our goal this year is the championship!" His determined expression and captain's authority motivated his team, who resumed their warm-ups with renewed focus.

The Sooners' coach, observing Price's leadership, felt a surge of pride. "If we push for the division championship, maybe... we have a real chance!" This season, the Sooners had achieved their best regular-season record, giving Price a glimmer of hope for an NBA future. This was his final college year, and without the NCAA, his NBA dreams might fade.

Determined to see his protégé reach the NBA, the Sooners' coach muttered, "North Carolina Wolfpack, I've got you figured out."

Across the court, the North Carolina Wolfpack were also warming up. Their coaching staff, huddled over a tactics board, discussed today's game.

"The Sooners used a 12-man rotation last game. That's a deep bench!" Herb Sendek noted, watching the game footage.

"The key will be in the second half," Jim agreed. With the Sooners' extensive rotation, their players would be fresher, while North Carolina, with a 9-10 man rotation and an overtime game, would be more fatigued.

"If we stay neck-and-neck in the first half, they'll take control in the second," Jim continued.

"Coach, maybe we should increase our rotation?" Jim suggested, only for Herb Sendek to immediately reject the idea.

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Want chapters give stones 🙏