NBA: Giant Killing

Mike Johnson: "This game is turning into an all-out battle! Aina University is ahead, but Marquette isn't backing down. Their discipline and teamwork are shining through as they look to close the gap."

Marquette University found themselves trailing by four points, but they remained composed. Norton brought the ball up the court and quickly passed it to Wade, trusting his ability to dictate the offense.

Unlike Aina's aggressive, fast-paced attack, Wade took a different approach. He didn't rush the possession. Instead, he scanned the floor, looking for the best opportunity.

After crossing half-court, he saw an opening and passed the ball to Andrew.

Andrew caught the ball but didn't immediately go for the shot. He took his time, dribbling patiently.

His defender, Golin, was sweating under the pressure. His nerves were evident—far more than Andrew's.

Andrew seized the moment, spotting a passing lane, and fed the ball inside to Gaal.

Gaal, the Marquette center, backed down Reeves in the post. Using sheer strength, he muscled his way into position and executed a clean hook shot over his defender.

Kevin Grant: "That's textbook post play! Gaal using his strength to carve out space and finishing with a soft touch. That's the kind of execution Marquette needs."

Marquette's superior team chemistry was on display. Unlike Aina University, which revolved around a single dominant player, Marquette was utilizing its depth and coordination.

On the sideline, Marquette's head coach looked a little relieved. He knew his team was, overall, the stronger squad.

They had worked too hard to reach the semifinals only to let it slip away now. The plan was simple: wear down Aina University's solo superstar.

Aina's head coach, Boeheim, remained unfazed. His eyes shifted to Oliver, studying his expression.

Seeing the calm look on Oliver's face, Boeheim knew—his star player still had plenty left in the tank.

Oliver wasn't rattled by Marquette's adjustments. If anything, he looked excited.

He thrived on competition. The stronger the opponent, the brighter he shone.

He was well aware of Marquette's talent—especially Wade. A future NBA star, Wade's ability to control the tempo was a serious threat.

If Marquette dictated the game's pace, Aina University would struggle.

That meant it was time for Oliver to take over.

Aina University had possession. Franklin inbounded the ball to Golin, who quickly found Oliver.

The instant Oliver called for the ball, Golin didn't hesitate.

After all, he and Oliver had developed impeccable chemistry this season.

Whenever Oliver signaled like that, Golin knew exactly what it meant—Oliver was about to make a play.

And history had proven that when Oliver made a move, the probability of him scoring was nearly 100%.

As soon as Oliver received the ball, Norton was all over him.

Norton had struggled offensively all game, scoring fewer than five points, but he wasn't about to let his season end without a fight.

Unlike his younger teammates, Norton was a senior—this was his final year of college basketball.

He wasn't an elite scorer, but if he could slow Oliver down even a little, it would be a victory.

He poured every ounce of effort into his defense, but—

It didn't matter.

Oliver never backed down.

With each passing game, his abilities only grew sharper. The experience he had accumulated, piece by piece, had forged him into a force of nature.

He hit Norton with a quick fake.

Norton hesitated—just for a fraction of a second.

That was all Oliver needed.

With a swift crossover, he left Norton behind.

As Oliver crossed the three-point line, Wade rotated over for the help defense.

Mike Johnson: "Here comes Wade! He's not giving Oliver any breathing room!"

Wade understood Aina University's strategy. Stop Oliver, and you stop their entire offense.

At this critical stage, Wade wasn't about to let him get an easy look.

But defending Oliver was easier said than done.

Oliver's skillset was too complete—three-point shooting, driving ability, court vision… There was no single way to shut him down.

And to make matters worse, his shooting form was deadly accurate.

At first, Wade had underestimated him.

At 5'9", Oliver didn't look imposing.

But after facing him for three quarters, Wade had learned the truth.

Now, his forehead was drenched in sweat, his muscles tense as he locked onto Oliver's every movement.

Yet Oliver remained completely relaxed.

Speed-wise, he wasn't far behind Wade.

And with the abilities of a prime Stephen Curry embedded in his game, his three-point shot was nearly unstoppable.

But this time—

Oliver had something different in mind.

He wasn't going for a three-pointer.

He was going to break Marquette's rhythm.

And the best way to do that?

A statement drive.

Dribbling smoothly, Oliver let Norton catch up. Now, Wade and Norton had him trapped in a double-team.

Marquette's defensive pressure intensified.

They sealed off the paint, cutting off any direct paths to the basket.

Their strategy was clear—they wouldn't allow Oliver to score inside.

Marquette's plan was sound.

The problem?

Oliver saw everything.

Glancing toward the paint, Oliver made a subtle move—leaning left as if preparing to drive.

Wade reacted instantly, shifting his body—

But it was a trick.

At the last second, Oliver exploded right, slipping past both defenders.

Kevin Grant: "Oh my! Oliver just shook them both! What a move!"

Blazing into the paint, Oliver forced Marquette's interior defenders to collapse on him.

They thought he was going for the finish.

But Oliver had one last trick.

Leaping into the air, he looked like he was about to shoot—

The Marquette defenders jumped to contest—

And then—

A behind-the-back pass.

The ball zipped straight to Golin.

Even Golin was caught off guard.

But his instincts kicked in, and he snatched the pass.

Without hesitation, he rose up and took the shot.

Swish!

A perfect basket.

Oliver's pass had shredded Marquette's defense.

The crowd erupted.

Mike Johnson: "Are you kidding me?! He just faked out the entire defense!"

Kevin Grant: "That's four consecutive moves before the assist! I can't even keep up with his decisions!"

Fans were left in awe.

Oliver had no weaknesses.

Every time Marquette thought they had figured him out, he adjusted.

His style was electrifying to watch.

But for his opponents?

He was a nightmare.

As the fourth quarter progressed, every time Marquette tried to rally—

Oliver shut them down.

With just three minutes remaining, Marquette still couldn't gain control of the game.

The score stood at 115-109.

Marquette trailed by six points.

Their players were growing desperate.

Every attempt to swing the momentum was thwarted.

Their frustration was palpable.

Wade knew—

If he didn't take charge now, the game would be over.