stonecrandall Chapter 56
Chapter 56
As they walked off the stage, the three middle-aged men were panting heavily, but their eyes were full of admiration as they looked at Qin Yu and his companions.
"Kid, not bad." Old Chen wiped his sweat. "The second half will be even tougher."
Qin Yu nodded, took the water Su Lingjuan handed him, but didn't drink it. He first walked over to Wu Yun and Du Dewu: "In the second half, their stamina will drop, but their experience will be even more ruthless. We need to play smarter. Wu Yun, set more off-ball screens for Dewu. Dewu, keep running, and take the shot if you have the chance. Go all out for rebounds in the paint!"
"Understood!" the two replied in unison.
Qin Yu unscrewed the water bottle and took a big gulp. He could feel that his mask was soaked through and unbearably hot, but he absolutely couldn't take it off. His gaze unconsciously swept towards the technical table.
Xin Zhiyan was whispering something to another volunteer, occasionally glancing at the scoreboard. Seemingly sensing Qin Yu's gaze, she turned her head, and their eyes briefly met in the air.
This time, Xin Zhiyan didn't look away immediately, nor did she nod. Her gaze was calm, so calm that it made Qin Yu feel uneasy. She looked at Qin Yu for about two seconds before casually turning back to continue talking to her companion.
Qin Yu's heart skipped a beat. She definitely recognized him. This calmness was more stressful than any interrogation.
"Zhou Biao, what's wrong?" Wu Yun noticed Qin Yu's unusual behavior.
"It's nothing." Qin Yu shook his head, forcing himself to concentrate. "Get ready for the second half."
The second half began, and the battle intensified. Just as Qin Yu had predicted, the older players' stamina began to wane, and their movement speed decreased, but their defensive experience and awareness of help defense remained, making every point incredibly difficult.
The score fluctuated, with the difference remaining within 3 points.
With two minutes remaining, Qinyu team led 21-20 by one point, and the ball was in the hands of the older players.
Old Liu controlled the ball, running down the clock. With ten seconds left, he called for a screen from Old Chen, switched onto Wu Yun, and dribbled between his legs several times. Suddenly, he accelerated, with Wu Yun close behind. Old Liu stopped abruptly, stepped back, and jumped!
Wu Yun jumped with all his might to block the shot, his fingertips almost touching the basketball.
The ball traced a high arc in the air.
Everyone’s heart is raised.
clang!
The ball hit the back of the rim and bounced up.
"Rebound!" The paint instantly swarmed together. Old Chen, Wu Yun, and Du Dewu jumped at the same time.
The ball was tapped and flew towards the outside. Qin Yu happened to be nearby and lunged at the basketball at the same time as Uncle Wang.
Qin Yu got a half-step ahead and caught the ball in his arms. Uncle Wang's collision made him stumble, but the referee did not blow the whistle.
Less than 30 seconds remain. Qinyu team leads by 1 point and has possession of the ball.
The older men immediately resorted to fouling tactics. Qin Yu was sent to the free-throw line.
First penalty. Deep breath, bend knees, raise hand. Goal. 22:20.
Second free throw. Qin Yu glanced at the basket and shot again. The basketball spun in the air, its trajectory perfectly straight.
clang!
The ball bounced off the front of the rim and came back!
Long rebound! Old Chen and Uncle Wang rushed for the ball simultaneously, while Wu Yun and Du Dewu desperately tried to position themselves. In the ensuing chaos, the ball was deflected out of bounds.
After reviewing the ball, the referee ruled that it went out of bounds after touching a player from the "Uncle Team". Qin Yu Team has possession and inbounds the ball from the front sideline.
Only 18 seconds remain. The men must foul again.
The ball was passed to Qin Yu, and Lao Liu immediately fouled him. Qin Yu went to the free throw line again.
This time, he made both free throws. 24:20. The point difference was 4 points.
Only 15 seconds remained. The older men's team missed a three-pointer, and the game ended.
Qin Yu team won a hard-fought victory and advanced to the finals!
Wu Yun and Du Dewu hugged each other excitedly. Three middle-aged men came over and shook hands with them one by one.