NBA: Giant Killing

Mike Johnson (Commentator): "Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing something special tonight! Aina University is pushing Marquette to the brink, and Oliver Lane is at the center of it all!"

Kevin Grant (Commentator): "This wasn't how the script was supposed to go! Marquette came in as the heavy favorite, but Aina University refuses to back down! And let's talk about Oliver Lane—this kid is playing out of his mind!"

No one at Marquette University could have predicted this.

Their pre-game expectations had painted a different picture—Marquette dominating Aina University, forcing them to play catch-up.

But reality had flipped the script.

And the reason was simple.

Oliver Lane.

The 5'9" guard from Aina University was playing like a man possessed.

His absurd three-point shooting had left Marquette's defense disoriented, as if they had lost their sense of direction.

During the brief timeout, Marquette's head coach gathered his players and injected them with urgency.

"We've fought through worse situations. We're not stopping here! Push harder, fight till the end—we're not losing this game!"

On the other side, Aina University's head coach, Boeheim, wore a satisfied expression.

At the beginning of the season, reaching this point had seemed like an overachievement.

But this game against Marquette was proving to be an unexpected delight.

Bringing Oliver onto the team had been the best decision of his coaching career.

"Stay locked in, play through Oliver—we can win this!"

There was no need for elaborate tactics. Having Oliver control the game was the best strategy they had.

In truth, Boeheim's role this season had been remarkably simple—he had practically handed the playbook to Oliver.

Some might call it lazy coaching.

But it was trust.

Not just his trust—Aina University as a whole believed in Oliver.

Mike Johnson: "And we're back! Marquette University knows the stakes, and they're coming out of this timeout looking to turn the tide."

The game resumed, and Marquette came out with relentless aggression.

Dwyane Wade had no intention of letting his season end here.

They were one step away from the championship game. To be sent home now? Unacceptable.

Marquette's offense picked up speed.

Wade, living up to his "Flash" moniker, burst past Franklin with an explosive first step, setting the tempo for the team.

Andrew and Aldington followed up with quick baskets, and Marquette strung together defensive stops against Aina University.

Suddenly, the scoreboard read 94-93.

Aina University's lead had shrunk to a single point.

Kevin Grant: "Wow! What a sequence! Marquette has tightened up their defense and turned it into instant offense. This is high-level basketball."

Mike Johnson: "And listen to this crowd, Kevin! They can feel the momentum shifting. Aina University has been riding Oliver's brilliance all night, but can they weather the storm?"

The tension in the arena was suffocating.

Spectators held their breath, their hands clenched into fists.

"I knew it—Marquette University isn't going down that easily."

"They're still fighting!"

"Honestly, Aina is riding on Oliver's back, but Marquette is the stronger team overall."

Kevin Grant: "That's the big question, Mike. Can one player really carry a team to the finish line? Or is Marquette's depth going to win out?"

NBA scouts in attendance took notes as Wade continued to shine.

"March Madness has produced some exceptional players this year," one coach murmured, already envisioning how these young stars would translate to the professional level.

On the media side, ESPN reporter Cyril was visibly ecstatic.

"See? I told you Marquette wouldn't fold! There's no way a team like Aina University is making the finals. Watch—Marquette is going to take this game."

Tony, a FOX Sports reporter who had followed Aina all season, merely chuckled.

"Relax. The last team that thought like you… well, they're watching from home now."

Tony had witnessed Aina University's journey firsthand.

He knew better than anyone—while the team might look unremarkable, as long as Oliver was on the court, they always had a chance.

He had seen Oliver turn impossible situations around.

Against Georgia Tech, he had hit a game-winner at the buzzer.

Compared to that, this situation wasn't even that bad.

As Marquette rode their momentum, Oliver's face lit up with excitement.

This was the Wade he had been expecting.

A future NBA superstar, already showing flashes of greatness.

If Wade had been too weak—if he had been easy to beat—Oliver would have been disappointed.

But this?

This was fun.

Aina University had possession, and Oliver signaled for Franklin to pass him the ball.

He would handle this one himself.

Wade immediately stepped up to defend him.

In these final moments, he couldn't afford to let Oliver breathe.

"Let's go, Oliver. You're not getting past me."

Wade's eyes locked onto the ball, fully aware of Oliver's complete offensive arsenal.

But he wasn't backing down.

And he wasn't alone—Norton was ready to help on the double-team at a moment's notice.

Marquette's coach had drilled one strategy into them.

"That 5'9" guard is Aina University's engine. Cut him off, and we shut them down."

As Oliver dribbled past half-court, Wade tightened his defense.

He pressed in close, using his superior wingspan to limit Oliver's vision.

Oliver didn't panic. He dribbled with patience, his movements calm, measured.

Wade's concentration was razor-sharp.

He was locked in, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Then—

Sweat slipped into his eyes.

For just a fraction of a second, his vision blurred.

And that was all Oliver needed.

In an instant, Oliver spun away.

A step-back.

Norton lunged—too late.

Oliver rose for the shot.

Wade jumped with him, hand outstretched—

But he was a beat behind.

The ball soared.

Mike Johnson: "Oliver for three—hand in his face—"

Kevin Grant: "OH MY GOODNESS!"

Swish!

A clean three.

Even in this crucial moment, Oliver had no hesitation.

Kevin Grant: "HE BURIES IT! COLD-BLOODED! OLIVER LANE HAS ICE IN HIS VEINS!"

The Marquette bench fell silent.

Their coach could only shake his head.

He had seen countless players in his career.

But this 5'9" kid from Aina University?

He couldn't figure him out.

Did he really feel no pressure?

Did he not worry about missing? About Marquette taking the lead?

At this stage of the game, with the score so tight, every possession mattered.

A great player would play it safe.

That was how it was supposed to be.

But then again…

Oliver wasn't just any player.

He had earned the right to take that shot.

With his near-flawless three-point accuracy, he wasn't just confident—he was inevitable.

97-93.

Marquette had been on the verge of taking control.

But Oliver had slammed the door shut.

Mike Johnson: "Every time Marquette inches closer, Oliver Lane finds a way to knock them back down."

Kevin Grant: "He's relentless. This is what stars are made of."

Marquette's players looked frustrated.

They weren't mentally weak, but every time they got close—

Oliver knocked them back down.

Again and again.

"Attack! Attack!" Marquette's coach shouted from the sideline.

His players took a deep breath, steadied their nerves.

This was it.

At this stage, with the game hanging in the balance—

It wasn't just skill that would determine the winner.

It was who could hold their composure.

And only one team would.

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