Lyles passed the ball back to Tyler Ulis.
After Tyler Ulis brought the ball past the half-court, he passed it to Zeng Xingyang running diagonally on the right side.
After getting the ball, Zeng Xingyang didn't have a direct chance to score, so he transferred it to Lyles.
Lyles received the ball and forcefully drove down the left side.
However, Louisville's interior had too many people, and Lyles' layup was blocked by Onuaku.
Harrell grabbed the rebound and immediately passed the ball forward to Rozier.
The University of Louisville wanted a fast break.
Rozier, nearing the mid-court, was only surrounded by Zeng Xingyang.
Fortunately, Rozier stumbled a bit while receiving the ball, giving Zeng Xingyang a chance to respond and chase.
After controlling the ball, Rozier accelerated forward swiftly towards the Kentucky's paint area.
Rozier held the ball with one hand, jumped into the air intending to make a gliding layup for a quick two points.
But as soon as Rozier released the ball, the cheers grew louder.
Before Rozier could react, a gust of wind swept past the back of his head.
Zeng Xingyang never gave up on defense, chasing back with all his might, and in the last moment caught up, forcefully slapping Rozier's layup onto the backboard.
"Smack!!"
Rozier was still too short and failed to protect himself, giving Zeng Xingyang a chance.
Tyler Ulis, who had come back, controlled the rebound.
Rozier was bewildered; he never expected Zeng Xingyang to catch up with him.
Once Rozier reacted, he realized he had been too careless.
"An impressive chase-down block."
"Zeng Xingyang's defensive reaction was very quick."
"His speed isn't the fastest, but he doesn't give up on chasing back, always trying."
"It's him again!"
"In the first two games, I thought his defense wasn't good, but now I think he's shown his skills."
"Well done."
The fans all thought Rozier would finish the fast break, but unexpectedly Zeng Xingyang stopped him.
Counting this play, Zeng Xingyang has stopped Rozier twice in a row.
"Ah!!!"
After landing, Zeng Xingyang roared at the camera.
This chase was truly his full effort.
Rozier's face turned sour; he felt he had been too careless.
ESPN's commentator said, "Zeng Xingyang's performance on the court tonight is astonishing, his energy on defense is full, and if he can maintain this throughout the game, he will change everyone's perception of him."
Another commentator said, "Zeng Xingyang actually has good static talent, but his explosiveness and bounce are somewhat lacking; however, against non-speed-type guards, his defense is not as bad as discussed."
After completing the block, Zeng Xingyang quickly ran over to join the offense; the team was still behind, and he had no time to celebrate.
The match on the court continued.
Tyler Ulis advanced to the front court, Zeng Xingyang continued his positioning, and Rozier, determined, chased after him.
Kentucky's strategy remains clear: get the ball to Towns to initiate.
Tyler Ulis is Kentucky's best organizer, and after a round of passing outside, the ball successfully reached Towns' hands.
Towns received the ball on the left block, and the others spread out, while Zeng Xingyang kept moving between the right corner and the three-point line at 30 degrees.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Towns continued to force his way side-back against Harrell.
Compared to backing down, Towns preferred facing the basket to attack.
When Towns reached the middle, he was double-teamed again, Onuaku and small forward Blake trapped Towns, blocking all his shot angles.
The triple team was also accompanied by strong physical confrontation, pushing Towns to the brink of a turnover.
At this moment, Zeng Xingyang gave Rozier a bump, then pretended to run to the top but actually ran towards the right corner.
In an instant, Zeng Xingyang's counter run left Rozier behind.
Towns also saw Zeng Xingyang open within his field of vision.
Towns decisively chose to pass; while moving, Zeng Xingyang adjusted his body rhythm.
Upon receiving the ball, he sprang up and shot.
Rozier worked hard to catch up, but couldn't block it; Zeng Xingyang's release point was too high.
His textbook hand position and rhythm perfectly showcased his shooter ability.
The whole motion looked incredibly smooth, and the basketball in the air spun beautifully.
"Swish!"
The basketball pierced through the net.
12 to 17.
Zeng Xingyang emphatically celebrated with a fist pump, his adrenaline surging, blood boiling.
Zeng Xingyang can feel that his rhythm and state are good tonight, and as he released the shot, he knew it was in.
Contributing energy to the team in a time of need is what he hopes to achieve.
Calipari couldn't help but shout, "Well done."
Since Zeng Xingyang took the court, both his defensive and offensive plays in two consecutive possessions were excellent.
Calipari couldn't ask for better from Zeng Xingyang.
As the number of matches increased, Zeng Xingyang secured his spot in the Wildcats' rotation, scoring whenever he entered his sweet spot on the court.
Towns gave a long-distance salute to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang's last two possessions were crucial, greatly relieving the team's offensive and defensive pressure.
Kentucky really needed this type of play during this period.
"OH!!!"
The fans once again erupted in cheers, witnessing a completely different team spirit from the beginning, making the game look much more exciting.
"Zeng Xingyang's appearance has given Kentucky a different look."
"He's a true bench mobster, coming in and making an efficient impact."
"Zeng Xingyang's play like this is very endearing, and Terry Rozier seems to be intimidated by him."
The University of Louisville's offense, Rozier after receiving the ball in the front court, faced continuous defensive shifts from Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang's footwork kept up and didn't allow Rozier a good breakthrough opportunity.
Rozier had to forcefully pass the ball to Harrell.
Harrell, receiving the ball inside with initially no space, made a nimble spin to escape Towns and scored with a layup underneath.
12 to 19
This goal slightly dampened the home court's momentum; Harrell nodded provocatively at the camera, flexing his biceps in a show of force.
On the court, it was Kentucky's turn to attack again.
Tyler Ulis quickly pushed to the top of the arc; as a clear-headed playmaker, he knew what to do at this moment.
First, he signaled a spread, then after running a play for Zeng Xingyang to find his position, he passed the ball to Towns again.
Towns received the ball in the low post and bumped against Harrell, continuing to be double-teamed.
On the perimeter, Lyles set an off-ball screen for Zeng Xingyang, who found a slight opening at 30-degree three-point line.
Towns, after drawing the defense, passed to Zeng Xingyang again.
Upon receiving the ball, Zeng Xingyang appeared very calm, not rushing to shoot a three-pointer; he smoothly made a fake on the first move.
The distant Onuaku, coming over to help, was completely duped, and Zeng Xingyang lowered his center of gravity and dribbled one step to the right.
Now comfortable, Zeng Xingyang automatically tuned out the sideline noise around him.
Seemingly alone with the hoop in the distance.
This was an extremely focused state, just like during training.
Zeng Xingyang bent his knees.
Pushed off the ground.
Jumped.
At the peak, his wrist flicked, releasing the ball.
"Oh oh!!"
At this moment, it was as if Zeng Xingyang only came out from the shooting state, with cheers ringing in his ears.
The basketball, like a sniper's bullet.
"Shoo!"
"Swish!"
Cleanly sank through the net.
15 to 19.
Seeing the shot go in, Zeng Xingyang once again punched the air and roared.