Seeing Towns' tactics on the court not working well, Kenny Payne made a substitution, taking out Towns and a forward, bringing in Dakari Johnson and Booker.
On a renewed offense, the Wildcats' point guard dribbled past half-court and then passed the ball to Booker.
Booker received the ball and executed a pick-and-roll with Dakari Johnson, using the screen to change direction and drive in.
Booker faced a double team, looking outside for an option, he found Zeng Xingyang at an angle. Although he didn't trust Zeng Xingyang much, there was no better receiver, so he passed it.
When Zeng Xingyang received the ball, he hadn't actually escaped the defense, so his first move wasn't to shoot immediately but to use a fake.
Zeng Xingyang slightly disrupted the defender's balance, but there was still some defensive interference.
At this moment, Zeng Xingyang saw a better opportunity for Booker between the free throw line and the three-second area. He was very familiar with Booker's skills from observing games in his past life.
He knew that Booker's short-range jump shot was particularly steady, so he decisively passed it directly.
Booker received the ball, immediately jump-stopped, and took a high shot.
The shot felt smooth both on reception and release.
"Clang!"
"Swish!"
The basketball hit the inner rim and fell in.
14 to 12
"Nice pass." Booker gestured to Zeng Xingyang.
Booker was thrilled to receive such a pass.
Kenny Payne on the sidelines was also satisfied with Zeng Xingyang's passing choice.
Even though Zeng Xingyang forcing a three-pointer wasn't wrong, he chose the steadier, nearer to the basket Booker.
This was a smart play, indicating that Zeng Xingyang is a willing passer.
The Alligators' offensive possession followed, with continuous ball movement and tactical positioning on the perimeter.
Dakari Johnson's defensive intimidation was stronger than Towns, his movement speed was quicker, and his defensive will stronger.
This made the Alligators unable to find good opportunities after trying two inner cuts.
Ultimately, they passed the ball to the small forward, letting him take on Zeng Xingyang one-on-one.
Judging by skin tone, Zeng Xingyang seemed easier to bully.
Though the opposing small forward appeared nearly 2 meters tall, he looked relatively frail.
He faced Zeng Xingyang with great confidence, swiftly using a major dribble change to bypass Zeng Xingyang.
However, Zeng Xingyang moved laterally, blocking the opponent's initial breakthrough.
The opponent wasn't in a hurry, continuously adjusting his foot rhythm, preparing to pass Zeng Xingyang again.
Zeng Xingyang could sense a high probability of getting beaten if he defended normally due to being less agile.
He didn't wait passively, directly bracing himself for a physical confrontation.
"Bang!"
As soon as their bodies collided, muffled sounds erupted quickly.
Though his opponent wasn't weak in confrontation, being hit by Zeng Xingyang disrupted his rhythm, prompting him to pass out the ball to the center.
But the Wildcats' Lyles moved out quickly, anticipated the defense, stretched out his long arm, and intercepted the ball.
Zeng Xingyang's timely confrontation threw off the small forward's rhythm, leading to Lyles' successful steal.
Lyles sprinted while dribbling to the frontline, intending to launch a counter-attack.
Zeng Xingyang also quickly transitioned into a sprint mode, following closely behind Lyles.
Lyles' dribbling charge was highly damaging as he sped into the paint.
Zeng Xingyang arrived at the right three-point line's 45-degree angle area, without further intrusion.
The Alligators' players retreated very swiftly, putting significant defensive pressure on Lyles from the returning defenders in the paint. In nearing trouble, he spotted Zeng Xingyang on the left 45-degree perimeter.
Decisive pass.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball with both hands, though an open spot unfolded in front of him, he faintly sensed a trailing defender behind.
Zeng Xingyang feigned another shot, instantly sending the pursuing slender small forward flying.
Zeng Xingyang was entirely in the open now, at this point, he did not hesitate.
Jump-shooting for three, smoothly releasing the basketball from his fingertips, the rhythm was thoroughly seamless.
"Swish!"
The basketball pierced through the net, 14 to 15.
Zeng Xingyang may not be the most talented on the team, but he is the hardest-working player.
Hard-working players earn their teammates' respect.
This three-pointer also ignited cheers from the sidelines, prompting Kenny Payne to fist-pump in celebration: "Great, keep shooting like that."
This type of play was exactly what he wanted to see.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang also clenched his fists tightly, even though this was just a warm-up game, it was also his first three-pointer in external competitions for the University of Kentucky.
This greatly boosted his confidence.
"It's just a three-pointer." Aaron Harrison murmured, somewhat jealous that such cheers were directed at Zeng Xingyang.
"Bro, that's the way to position." Lyles praised, and he also got an assist.
"Nice job, be confident in your shooting, show the level you've trained at."
"Zeng, I believe you'll become part of the Wildcats' rotation."
More and more people praised Zeng Xingyang.
Outsiders might not think hitting a three-pointer is remarkable, but players familiar with Zeng Xingyang knew how much effort he had put in behind the scenes for such a simple three-pointer.
On the court, the Alligators' offense came again, and Zeng Xingyang remained focused on defense.
"Smack!"
"Smack!"
Even though it's just a warm-up game, the players on the court were filled with passion, the pace for both teams wasn't fast, and there was plenty of physical confrontation.
After a series of passes, the Alligators' shot was disrupted outside.
Lyles secured the rebound.
Lyles passed the ball to Booker, who took it to the frontcourt.
Zeng Xingyang went over to support Booker, received his pass, was too far from the three-point line, took a step dribble and returned the ball to Booker, and then quickly took the defender away to give Booker space.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Booker showcased his strong one-on-one ability, finding a breakthrough on the right side during high-speed dribbling.
From the side, Zeng Xingyang felt that Booker's advance would surely be double-teamed, so he continued running towards the right corner, knowing that's where Booker could see him.
As Zeng Xingyang predicted, Booker was met by three defenders when he got into the paint.
Zeng Xingyang appeared once again in Booker's line of sight, and Booker powerfully threw the ball across.
Running, Zeng Xingyang caught the ball and landed right outside the three-point line.
This time, he took the fastest shot.
The rhythm was perfect, the basketball smoothly released, and after leaving his fingertips, it traced a beautiful arc.
"Swish!" The basketball pierced through the net with an incredibly crisp sound.
14 to 18.
"This guy's three-pointer looks stable."
"Two in a row, nice job."
"Well done, rookie."
Kentucky Wildcats' fans shouted.
Coach Kenny Paine on the sidelines beamed happily, thinking the decision to sub in Zeng Xingyang was brilliant, opening up the team's offensive game swiftly.
"Bro, nice shooting." Booker loosened his headband and greeted Zeng Xingyang.
"Comfortable pass." Zeng Xingyang also praised Booker.
On this play, Booker attracted all the defense away, and all he needed to do was hit the open shot.
Scouts from the Phoenix Suns, Thunder, and Lakers remained silent, taking out their phones to send messages.
All three were doing the same thing, asking their contacts at the University of Kentucky for Zeng Xingyang's information to consider adding him to their scouting reports.
Calipari crossed his arms over his chest, eyes fixed on Zeng Xingyang, also eager to see how he performed next.
On the court, the Kentucky Wildcats held firm against the opponents' attack with tenacious defense again.
This time, after transferring the ball to the frontcourt, Booker continued a pick-and-roll with the center.
After the pick-and-roll, Booker faced a mismatch, placed the ball to the left side, and promptly switched directions, charging right.
Booker broke through again.
He's so good at breaking through, it's no wonder Jenner likes him....
Zeng Xingyang stayed at the corner, but after hitting consecutive threes, the Alligators' small forward wouldn't give him an open space anymore.
Booker got double-teamed on the opposite side, and at this moment, Lyles cut diagonally.
Booker passed the ball to Lyles, who took a step for a layup.
But the Alligators had a heavy defense inside.
"Smack!"
The ball got blocked by the Alligators' center, but incidentally, it flew towards Zeng Xingyang, and the small forward who was defending him wasn't nearby, as he was preparing to secure the rebound.
Another opportunity arrived for Zeng Xingyang.
So, Zeng Xingyang took the ball, stepped back, and quickly took a three-point shot from outside.
Almost the same rhythm and the same posture as before.
Level 3 shooting ability on full display.
The basketball traced a magnificent arc.
"Swish!" Another three-pointer penetrated the net, three in succession.
14 to 21.
The entire arena was shaken by the consecutive three-pointers!!