Chapter 126: The Final Opponent

Throughout the first eight games of the National Collegiate Basketball League finals, Geng Haoshi swept aside every opponent with a "calm yet frantic" intensity, propelling Tiancheng University of Technology to an eight-game winning streak.

Tiancheng University of Technology, a team that had languished at the bottom of the rankings for years, had shocked the nation. Media outlets across China covering collegiate basketball were now buzzing with anticipation for their final match, where they would face Beijing Sky University, a team that also boasted an undefeated record in the finals.

One team was last year’s cellar dweller; the other was last year’s champion.
One was this year’s dark horse; the other was a perennial powerhouse.
One was an up-and-coming talent; the other was a seasoned leader.
Who would emerge victorious in this clash? The suspense was palpable.

Currently, Beijing Sky University held a point differential of 166, while Tiancheng University of Technology sat at 161. By that metric, Beijing Sky held a slight edge. According to the tournament rules, even with only one game remaining, any of the top ten teams could theoretically claim the championship, provided they secured a large enough point differential in the final round. However, based on the current standings, barring any major upsets, the title would almost certainly be decided between Beijing Sky and Tiancheng.

July 17, 2017. The National Stadium in the East District of China. The final day of the 2017 National Collegiate Basketball League finals was about to begin. The most anticipated match of the tournament was set to take place in Arena A. By 9:00 AM, the stands were already packed.

In China, most basketball arenas only hold a few thousand spectators. However, the National Stadiums in the East, West, South, and North districts were all built to NBA specifications, each capable of accommodating 20,000 fans. At this moment, the 20,000 seats in Arena A were filled with spectators buzzing about the two teams.

"This year’s championship is definitely going to Beijing Sky University!"
"I think so too. After all, they have so much experience, and their starting lineup is incredibly strong this year. Rumor has it that several of their players have already been scouted by major professional clubs, and two have even been named to the national team’s reserve roster!"
"Beijing Sky is currently leading Tiancheng by five points in differential. If Tiancheng wants the title, they don't just need to beat Beijing Sky—they need to win by more than five points. That’s a tall order!"

...

"The players from Beijing Sky are truly gifted. Still, although they’ve accepted our invitation letters, nothing is formally signed yet. I’m worried another club might swoop in with a higher offer."
"It’s business. The highest bidder wins; isn't that normal?"
"I suppose... very well, if it comes to it, we’ll just raise our offer."
"I think that Geng Haoshi from Tiancheng is quite impressive, too. Should we send him an invitation?"
"He’s certainly eye-catching. But his height..."
"Let’s wait until this game is over before we decide."

...

A girl stared at a photo in her hand, smiling dreamily. "Our Feng is just so handsome!"
"He’s *our* Feng, okay? I’ve even spoken to him before," another girl retorted, chin held high.
"So childish. How old are you people, still bickering over this? Besides, the most handsome one is clearly our Yiming!"

...

"Mengmeng, you can't just claim Tiancheng will win the title because you've covered a few of their games. That’s not scientific," a young woman teased.
"I’m relying on my sharp instincts as a sports journalist," Qin Mengmeng replied with a smile.
"Sports journalist? You’re just an intern. Who knows if you’ll even get a full-time position? Silly girl!" The woman tapped Qin Mengmeng’s forehead lightly.
"He will win," Qin Mengmeng whispered, smiling as she looked at a photo of Geng Haoshi dunking, which was tucked inside her notebook.

...

Lin Ling scanned the 520 members of the "Geng Haoshi Fan Club." "Ladies... no, wait! Fellow sisters! Does everyone know why we are here today?"

These 520 girls had been carefully selected by Lin Ling from Geng Haoshi's massive fan base of over 30,000. Originally, Lin Ling had wanted to rally at least 2,000 fans, but given it was summer vacation, they had decided to focus on those living closer to the East District Stadium to make organization easier.

"To cheer for our idol, Geng Haoshi!" the fans shouted in unison. Among them was Li Shishi, Geng Haoshi’s most devoted admirer. To create a grand spectacle, Li Shishi had commissioned 520 custom pink cheerleader skirts and vests, which the group was now wearing.

"Excellent!" Lin Ling nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, be loud and stay energized. We cannot lose to those flashy vixens over there!" She pointed toward a group of girls sitting directly opposite them, holding a banner that read, "Beijing Sky University Will Prevail!"

...

At 9:45 AM, the players from both teams began taking the court for warm-ups.

"Han Feng! Han Feng! Who dares to challenge!"
As Beijing Sky’s number 1 player stepped onto the court, the stands erupted in cheers.
"Lu Yiming! Lu Yiming! A stunning talent!"
The crowd roared again as the team’s number 2 player appeared.

"Han Feng: 186 cm, 73 kg. Captain of the Beijing Sky basketball team, an all-around player, just selected for the national reserve team."
"Lu Yiming: 189 cm, 76 kg. Power forward for Beijing Sky, also just selected for the national reserve team."

Yu Manman looked at the player profiles in her hands, and a sense of unease began to settle in.