With 22 seconds left in the game, Duke University had enough time to set up one final offensive play.
"Do we need a timeout?"
Coach K on the sidelines looked at Kai Chen and received a negative response.
It was just as he thought.
He wanted to leave the final moments of the game to Kai Chen. Since the score was tied, running down the clock would still allow for one last possession.
Even if Kai Chen missed, the game would go into overtime.
"What?"
"Coach K didn't call a timeout and instead let Kai run down the clock for the final possession?"
The courtside commentator said in disbelief. "Isn't such a bold decision debatable? After all, they have enough time!"
Another commentator added, "I think instead of setting up a play, it's better to let Kai Chen take the shot in the final moments!"
"After all, his performance tonight has been explosive enough!"
Duke University Arena!
All eyes were on him.
Kai Chen dribbled past half-court, calm and composed, his gaze sweeping across his teammates.
After receiving confirming glances from Bagley, Trent, and the others, Kai Chen nodded.
The outcome was obvious.
Duke University's final possession was in Kai Chen's hands. If he missed, they would head to overtime and keep fighting.
15
13
10
9
…
Time ticked away, second by second.
The clock kept running as the entire arena erupted in deafening cheers.
The fans were all waiting for Kai to lead them into the Elite Eight!
"I won't let you!"
Trae Young felt the weight of responsibility press down on him.
In the second half, during the few minutes Kai Chen had been on the floor, Trae Young had become his backdrop time and again.
Now, the fate of the team rested entirely on his shoulders.
He forgot everything else, his eyes locked onto Kai Chen.
Just as he was lost in thought, Kai Chen suddenly burst forward.
Trae Young cut off his right side, but Kai Chen switched the ball to his left hand, accelerated, gained half a step, and drove toward the free-throw line.
"Double team!"
The wing defenders rushed in simultaneously.
1 second!
Kai Chen leaped abruptly, the ball slipping past the fingertips of both defenders and flying toward the hoop.
After releasing the shot, Kai Chen crashed heavily to the floor.
"Bang!"
Yet his eyes never left the ball.
Above the rim, the clock expired, and the red light lit up.
Everyone held their breath, staring at the basketball that would decide the game.
"Overtime, or advancement?"
"This shot will determine the fate of Duke University and Oklahoma University!"
That basketball—either a blessing or a verdict—dropped toward the hoop under countless gazes.
"Swish!"
85:83!
"It's in!"
"Game-winner! Game-winner!"
"Wow! Wow!"
"I can't believe this!"
"We've advanced to the Final Four!"
...
Amid roaring cheers, all the Duke University players stormed the court, grabbing Kai Chen and beat on him wildly.
"Fuck!"
Kai Chen felt a sharp pain from behind and couldn't help cursing under his breath.
But hearing the entire arena chanting his name, he finally relaxed.
"This is an incredible game!"
"Duke University, after trailing by as many as 20 points, has completed a miraculous comeback!"
At the final buzzer, the courtside commentators stood and applauded Duke University.
"No one could have imagined that the one to lead Duke University to this comeback would be Kai Chen!"
"He stepped up in the team's moment of crisis and, before the game ended, hit that incredibly valuable buzzer-beater to send them to the Final Four!"
"Yes, this is the most individual heroic performance I've seen in this tournament!"
Another commentator added, "He accounted for nearly all of the team's scoring in the final minutes!"
Even when Oklahoma University double-teamed Kai Chen at the end, they still couldn't stop him.
He hit that priceless game-winner at the final moment!
The camera shifted to Oklahoma University's star, Trae Young.
He finished with 34 points and lingered on the court long after the buzzer, watching the replay from every angle on the big screen, trying to confirm the shot.
"For Oklahoma University and their star Trae Young, this March Madness has been nothing short of magical."
Seeing Trae Young's lonely figure, the commentator continued, "Especially Trae Young—he leads the tournament in both scoring and assists, something never seen before in NCAA history."
"And his duel with Kai Chen in this game is destined to become an unforgettable moment in NCAA history!"
After the game, Trae Young declined all media interviews.
Although Oklahoma University was eliminated in the Elite Eight, his draft stock remained unaffected—but losing after leading a team through such a brutal comeback was still painful.
On Duke's side, Head Coach K also instructed his players to refuse postgame interviews.
"Only when you win the championship or are eliminated can you speak to the media!"
Inside the Duke University locker room, Coach K addressed his players sternly.
"You should all know that if it weren't for Kai, we'd already be packing our bags!"
"If you don't adjust your mindset quickly, we'll be eliminated just as fast!"
"In this ruthless tournament, no one gives you second chances!"
As Coach K said, the beauty of the NCAA lies in its unpredictability.
Any team can become the final winner—powerhouse or unknown.
Under the single-elimination format, just like the NBA's legendary upsets, anything can happen in one game.
Although Duke University eliminated Oklahoma University and advanced, they still had to remain vigilant.
Because even more desperate players awaited them.
Every March, thrilling upsets and buzzer-beaters unfold.
Star players pour everything into boosting their NBA draft prospects.
So-called underdogs grit their teeth, fighting for victory so their youth won't be wasted.
There is no commercial manipulation here—only pure love for the game and the burning passion of college basketball.
Perhaps that is why NCAA March Madness is so beloved.
It comes from the unextinguished basketball dream in every boy's heart.