On April 1st, there were no games scheduled in any major North American leagues.
The reason was simple!
Today, the eyes of all sports enthusiasts across the US were focused on the Alamodome in San Antonio!
The final championship battle of the 2018 NCAA Championship was about to begin there!
The arena, which can accommodate up to 80,000 fans, was already packed.
Half an hour before the game started,
Duke University fans and Villanova University fans, upon entering, launched a fierce battle for the global audience even before the game began.
The noise in the arena grew louder and louder; young people didn't adhere to polite viewing rules, and the sound became increasingly loud as everyone vented their excitement.
"Without a doubt, San Antonio tonight will be the global focal point!"
On the sidelines, Smith from the TNT commentary booth passionately began, "Everyone is looking forward to the start of tonight's game, whether they are fans or management from various NBA teams."
"They are all waiting for the end of March Madness!"
"And for Duke University and Villanova University, they will fight for the ultimate honor here!"
Barkley stated, "Today will be the most crucial day in the professional careers of the players from both teams."
"Their performance will directly affect their draft position in the upcoming draft."
Duke University and Villanova University are both championship teams from recent years, having won three championships in the past four years.
One of them will undoubtedly stand on the highest podium again.
"The attention on today's game is absolutely unprecedented; celebrities from all walks of life across the US are also here in person!"
Following the direction pointed out by the commentator, the large screen quickly captured a host of big-name celebrities on the sidelines.
First and foremost were Kendall Jenner and her best friend, Gigi Hadid.
These two Victoria's Secret supermodels, simply by sitting there, quickly became the most beautiful scenery in the arena.
Facing the camera, Kendall Jenner stood up and showed off the Kai Chen jersey she was wearing to the crowd, shouting loudly, "Duke vs Everybody!"
This crazy act quickly sparked heated discussion among the fans present:
"Wow! Kendall!"
"Damn it, why is she wearing Kai Chen's jersey to cheer for Duke??"
"Haha, Kai Chen has caught Kendall's eye."
"His NBA career hasn't even started, and it's already over."
Immediately after, Curry and Durant, the two kings of the Golden State Warriors, also appeared on the big screen, followed by a quick pan to Kobe and Jordan not far from them.
"Woohoo!"
The appearance of these two instantly pushed the atmosphere in the arena to a climax.
In addition to these big-name players, many active players also came to watch the game.
Not just players, the sharp-eyed Smith immediately spotted many NBA team executives also watching this highly anticipated game from the sidelines.
"Marvin Bagley, Brunson, and Kai Chen!"
"The young talents who will showcase their skills on this court today—perhaps one day they will all become the faces of the NBA!"
Smith briefly introduced these three super rookies.
When he mentioned Kai Chen, the cheers throughout the arena noticeably increased.
Clearly Kai, who has shown his prowess in these two games, has become the hottest college star currently!
"Hey, kids!"
During the pre-game warm-up, Coach K gathered his players. "In your life, there are two important moments!"
"One is your birth, and the other is when you know why you were born!"
"I believe we were born for the championship. What about you?"
"Championship!"
Led by Marvin Bagley, the Duke University players shouted in unison!
For these students, this game might be the most memorable battle of their college careers.
The championship was within reach, and they could think of no other way to handle it than to give their all!
"Let's go!!"
The fans of both teams also responded with shouts echoing from both sides of the stands.
Amidst the cheers of over eighty thousand fans, the starting players from both sides took to the court!
"Beep!"
As the main referee blew the whistle, the game officially began!
Spellman was a step ahead, tipping the ball to Brunson!
Villanova University controlled the first possession of the game.
Brunson brought the ball up from the backcourt, using Spellman's screen at the top of the arc to shake off Steve and drive straight to the basket.
After drawing help defense from Duke University, he passed the ball to DiVincenzo on the left wing outside the three-point line.
DiVincenzo faked a shot upon receiving the ball, and Grayson Allen in front of him jumped up.
After faking out Allen, DiVincenzo quickly drove into the paint with the ball.
Facing Kai Chen's help defense, he passed the ball again to Bridges in the corner.
"Swish!"
Bridges shot an open three-pointer and made it!
3:0!
Villanova University struck first!
"Villanova University showed us their excellent teamwork in the first possession of the game!"
On the sidelines, Smith analyzed, "They play every offensive possession with great patience; if it's not a sure-fire shot, they won't take it lightly!"
"This is also why they lead the entire league in this tournament with an average net margin of 17.7 points per game against opponents."
Transitioning from offense to defense, Duke University brought the ball across half-court.
Marvin Bagley received a pass with his back to the basket in the paint, preparing to go one-on-one against Spellman.
However, Spellman was no pushover; he had a very strong build.
Using his strong physique, Spellman continuously put pressure on Bagley.
"Clang!"
Ultimately, Bagley's fadeaway jumper missed, but Wendell Carter managed to grab the offensive rebound with his excellent leaping ability.
Wendell Carter, having secured the offensive rebound, didn't waste any time—first faking a shot to make Pascal jump, while Spellman also rushed over to help defend.
Seizing this gap, Wendell Carter's peripheral vision caught sight of Kai Chen cutting hard to the basket, and with a gentle flick of his wrist, he delivered an inside pass to Kai Chen.
At this moment, Kai Chen faced only Spellman, who was guarding the paint.
Spellman raised both arms high toward Kai Chen, trying to block his shot!
But Kai Chen showed no signs of slowing down after reaching him.
Instead, he used the momentum from his drive to jump off both feet.
His feet exerted immense force on the floor.
The floor returned this immense force to him, propelling him high into the air.
He soared rapidly like a missile.
Spellman, caught off guard, saw Kai Chen attempting to dunk over him.
His face instantly became extremely grim.
He immediately jumped with all his might, but it was too late.
Kai Chen extended his right arm, blocking Spellman's long arms, and slammed the ball violently into the basket with his left hand.
"Boom!"
A tremendous roar echoed throughout the Alamodome!!