NBA: Giant Killing

The atmosphere on Aina University's bench was far more relaxed. Head coach Boeheim remained composed as he addressed his players.

"Oliver, you're doing great, but be careful. Marquette is going to play rough. Golin, move more aggressively to ease Oliver's pressure…"

Boeheim kept his instructions simple. Oliver had a high basketball IQ and could control the game's tempo without much intervention. However, Boeheim was concerned about one thing—Marquette's physicality. If they resorted to rough tactics, Oliver could be at risk of injury.

To counter this, Aina University's players needed to set solid screens and create better shooting opportunities.

As the short timeout ended, both teams returned to the court.

Marquette had already faced multiple strong opponents on their journey here. Their confidence remained intact.

The scoreboard read 15-10. Oliver was playing fiercely, but the gap hadn't widened significantly.

Marquette's point guard, Norton, inbounded the ball. Wade took it up the court before passing to Andrew.

Physically, Andrew was on par with Golin—if not superior. His longer wingspan gave him an added advantage.

Andrew backed Golin down, using his individual skill to secure the basket.

"Marquette isn't trying to outrun Aina University," one commentator noted. "They want to drag them into a slow, physical battle. And right now, they're executing that game plan perfectly."

"That's right. Oliver's been firing away from deep, but if the game slows down and he's forced into a grinding contest, mistakes will come."

Marquette's head coach had orchestrated a brilliant strategy.

When Aina University inbounded the ball, Norton pressed Oliver tightly. His coach hadn't asked him to steal—just to make Oliver uncomfortable.

Marquette's other defenders stuck to their matchups, refusing to leave gaps for penetration.

"Look at this defense," the commentator observed. "They're treating the paint like a fortress. If Oliver tries to drive inside, he's going to run into a wall."

"Which means he'll have to rely on outside shooting. But how long can he keep up that level of accuracy?"

Oliver didn't force his way in. Instead, after shaking off Norton, he feigned a drive toward the key.

The moment Marquette collapsed inward, he fired a precise pass to Golin.

"Smart play by Oliver! He's not taking the bait. He sees the help defense coming and delivers a perfect assist to Golin."

Golin caught the ball near the baseline and calmly sank a mid-range jumper.

The points didn't go to Oliver, but the assist spoke volumes. He had managed to create an opening in Marquette's ironclad defense—a rare feat.

The sharp-eyed NBA scouts in the stands took notice.

"This kid," one muttered, eyes locked on Oliver.

A 5'9" Asian guard had been hyped by the media, but these scouts weren't the type to believe everything they read. Seeing was believing.

His shooting ability had already left an impression. Now, his court vision and decision-making were proving just as remarkable.

"He's got the makings of a real point guard," another scout murmured. "Maybe not a franchise guy, but as a backup PG? Definitely worth a look."

Fans obsessed over superstars. But coaches? They built teams.

Depth won championships, and a reliable backup point guard could be invaluable.

Still, skepticism lingered.

"His physical limitations are a real concern. This is college ball. The NBA's level of physicality is a whole different beast."

"Exactly. Most coaches wouldn't have the guts to put a player like him in a starting lineup. Not unless he was something truly special."

Meanwhile, Oliver and Golin exchanged a firm high-five, their chemistry undeniable.

The game remained a tight contest. Neither side pulled away.

Marquette's composure was remarkable. Even after Oliver drained five consecutive threes, they didn't waver.

They responded methodically, scoring four solid baskets of their own.

Then, Aina University finally faltered.

Franklin mishandled a pass.

Wade pounced.

The future "Flash" exploded down the court with terrifying speed.

"Wade with the steal—he's a blur!"

Golin scrambled to contest, but he was half a step too slow.

Wade absorbed the contact, finished strong, and drew the foul.

"And one!"

The scoreboard now read 23-23.

Marquette's players cracked satisfied grins.

They had weathered the early storm.

Oliver's blazing start had put them under immense pressure, but they hadn't cracked. Now, the momentum was shifting.

With their confidence restored, Marquette's true strength emerged.

Moments later, their power forward, Aldington, cut past his defender and soared in for a vicious dunk.

The crowd erupted.

"That's a statement play!"

"Marquette has taken control! Aina University is on the back foot."

The shift in crowd sentiment was instantaneous.

This was the nature of NCAA fans.

They cheered for whoever looked dominant.

Oliver's five threes had earned their admiration—but it was fleeting.

Now that Marquette was dictating the game, many spectators switched allegiances.

Only Oliver's die-hard supporters remained steadfast.

"To be honest, his height is just too much of a disadvantage," one fan muttered. "In streetball, a 5'9" guy would already struggle."

"And at this level? Against a team like Marquette? It's just not sustainable."

"Once they crank up the defensive pressure, he's going to disappear."

But Oliver had no intention of disappearing.

As Aina University prepared to inbound the ball, he raised a hand, signaling for Mueller to pass it to him.

He took possession near half-court.

Norton was already there, pressing him immediately.

So far, Norton hadn't scored a single point.

For a point guard, and one of their 'reliable' backup scorers at that, this was an embarrassing stat line.

To make matters worse, guarding Oliver had been a nightmare.

Still, Norton kept his composure.

At this point, he had accepted his fate—he wasn't going to win the scoring battle.

His only goal was to slow Oliver down.

If he could just keep Oliver in check, he'd consider his job done.

But his confidence was misplaced.

Because Oliver was about to show him that his defense meant nothing.