Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Chapter 271 Huishi Alligators vs. Shizi Dogs (3)

The second quarter started, and Coach Muchen and Lina decided to keep the same line-up on the floor.

The people still couldn't get over the fact that Shizi High was leading with such a large gap.

The score was 34-20, an impressive lead considering the Alligators were one of the top four schools in the entire city. Find your next adventure on empire

"What happened with Shizi High? In my dream, I was getting chased by a big dog. Is this what the dream means?"

"No, you're just delusional. However, they have become quite good—especially that Kai guy. Who knew that he could actually be a decent player?"

"I've been watching since the Winter Cup! I can vouch for Kai's improvement."

Coach Guanyu frowned. It was only then that he realized why Max was urging him to recruit Kai into their team.

He tapped Yutong's shoulder, who was right by his side.

"Yes, Coach?" Yutong asked

"Has that guy always been good?" he asked, nodding toward the court.

"Yuze?" Yutong asked. "Umm, yes, sir. He's always been a solid member. If it weren't for him being with Shizi High, he could reach even greater heights."

Coach Guanyu sighed. "Not him," he deadpanned.

Guanyu already knew that Yuze was good.

"That guy—Kai Guo."

"Oh," Yutong said. "That's right. You haven't seen him play during the practice game."

"I'm also shocked, coach," Yutong said with an amused chuckle. "He was alright back then, but he wasn't like this. I also wonder what happened that made him improve so much."

Coach Guanyu hummed, placing his fingers under his chin.

"Such a shame," he muttered. Maybe he should have listened to Max back then.

"It is now time for the second quarter!" Mark exclaimed. "The first quarter went by so fast that I didn't even realize it. I guess that happens when you're enjoying something, right?"

"It seems like Kai, who had scored 18 points in the previous quarter, is still with us. Oh! Qiang is also here. Will we see something brew between these two rookies?" he asked.

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the second quarter.

The court felt more intense since the players already had an inkling of how the others played.

Qiang, feeling the pressure of the gap and his reputation, had become more aggressive. His eyes were locked on Kai, and he shadowed his every move, determined not to give him any space. Kai could feel Qiang's strength and presence—like trying to shake off a shadow that clung to him relentlessly.

Kai moved swiftly, trying to find an opening, but Qiang was right there, matching him step for step.

Lina frowned. "Qiang is being more aggressive. Kai can't get past him since he's so close."

Yuze also turned to Kai with concern. "It's the great wall of Qiang," he muttered. It was the type of play that Max even had a hard time with.

"Oh, what's this?" Mark Li exclaimed. "Qiang is keeping Kai in check. Even a bulldozer would have a hard time against Qiang with how close he is!"

The crowd chuckled in amusement. Mark was making such unhinged comments—one that you wouldn't expect from a game commentator.

Four minutes had passed, and Kai still hadn't scored.

He clicked his tongue in frustration.

For a moment, it seemed like Qiang had finally shut Kai down.

"I knew it," Qiang said. "I was just nervous in the first quarter."

However, Kai wasn't just a one-man team.

He knew he had strong teammates, and he trusted them. With Qiang smothering him and blocking any chance of a shot, Kai saw his opportunity. He pivoted and passed the ball to Andy.

Andy, who had been nervous and hesitant during the first quarter, caught the ball with a look of determination.

He hadn't scored in the first quarter because of his nervousness, so it was the time to redeem himself.

"Why did he pass it to that guy?" Yani muttered. "He hasn't made any successful shots yet."

Suzy clicked her tongue and glared at Yani, making the latter surprised.

"Don't question Kai," she said, making Yani raise her hands in surrender.

Andy still appeared a bit hesitant, so Kai gave him a nod of assurance.

Andy squared up and took the shot from the three-point line. The ball sailed through the air, the gym falling silent as everyone watched its arc. It swished cleanly through the net.

48-30.

Kai smiled, feeling a sense of pride in his teammate.

"Don't mind!" Qiang exclaimed. His tone sounded like he thought that it was a lucky shot, making Kai smirk.

"Wrong move," he muttered.

The next time down the court, Kai dribbled up, eyeing Qiang with a harsh gaze. He acted as if he was about to take a shot, drawing Qiang's attention entirely. The defender guarding Andy also shifted towards Kai, anticipating the shot.

In a split-second decision, Kai faked the shot before passing to Andy, drawing the defenders away.

Fabin shook his head as he watched the Alligators leave Andy open.

"They made the wrong choice," he muttered. "That guy is a good shooter."

Ailun nodded in agreement. "I thought he was familiar, and it turns out that I saw him in the arcade plenty of times. That dude is a master at shooting."

"Hmm," Max said. "That's why he's shooting is great while his other skills can still be improved."

"There goes Max with his analyzation again," Fabin sighed.

"Can you analyze Kai, then?" he jokingly asked. "I can't quite pinpoint what changed with him. It just feels like he's overall better."

Max sighed as his gaze strayed to Kai, who just did a fake shot.

"I also don't know," he muttered.

With Kai's feign, Andy found himself open once more, and without hesitation, he shot another three-pointer.

Qiang clicked his tongue and watched as the ball arced toward the basket.

"He's not going to make it this time," he muttered.

However, the ball flew straight and true, widening the gap even further.

51-30.

"What do we have here?" Mark Li exclaimed. "Andy Liang just shot consecutive three-pointers for the team! After Kai's impressive feat, we have another skilled player in our midst."

Coach Yixing was about to collapse to the floor, holding onto Zedong for dear life.

"Where did they get these boys?" he exclaimed. "It doesn't make sense!"

Zedong pursed his lips and nodded in agreement. Then, his gaze strayed to Yuze before a small smile appeared on his lips.

"It seems like Yuze finally found the right teammates."