55 Points, 24 Rebounds, 6 Blocks! Making Juwan Howard Cry!

Juwan Howard felt the frustration of defeat for the very first time.

In the previous two seasons, he had reached the championship finals twice as the team's second-in-command; although they fell short in the end, Chris Webber had shouldered the majority of the responsibility as the team's primary star.

Today, he truly felt the weight of being the team's core leader and the pain of letting down everyone who supported him.

It was agonizing.

Moreover, he had no room for redemption, as he would be stepping onto the NBA stage once this season concluded.

And that sensational Fab Five, which had shocked the nation, had never once reached the pinnacle of March Madness.

As the team leader, he had also overseen the worst record in the history of the Fab Five, failing to even reach the finals.

Tonight, under the defense of Li Fei, he managed only 10 points and 8 rebounds, far below his season average.

At the same time, his confident defensive efforts were shaken off by one spectacular Dreamy Footsteps move after another from Li Fei.

This allowed Li Fei to rack up a game-high 48 points, 22 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

Thinking of all this.

Juwan Howard, having picked up his fifth foul, lowered his head and walked back to the bench like a walking corpse, his eyes stinging with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry, Coach."

Approaching his coach, Juwan Howard didn't even dare to look him in the eye: "I've let the team experience another disappointing season."

"This isn't your fault, Juwan."

Head coach Steve Fisher patted Juwan Howard on the shoulder: "Those who have pushed themselves to the limit have no need to apologize."

To be fair, Juwan had given his absolute all tonight.

But losing to Li Fei.

One could only say it was a gap in talent and ability.

Yet, the apology in Juwan Howard's heart at this moment was incredibly intense.

"If I could have been a little better, if I could have been a little taller..."

"Or even, if I could have possessed the ability of Chris Webber to carry the team on my own."

The tears in his eyes finally spilled over: "The outcome might not have been so humiliating..."

Meanwhile, Li Fei stepped to the free-throw line and calmly sank both shots, bringing his total for the game to 50 points.

In the remaining two minutes, the University of Michigan did not give up, but everyone knew it was merely a final struggle.

As Li Fei completed two more scoring possessions, the University of Michigan completely gave up resistance with 40 seconds left on the clock. When the final buzzer sounded, the University of Michigan had lost to UC Berkeley 78:94, a 16-point deficit.

This ended their season journey while sending UC Berkeley to the March Madness championship finals.

In this game, Li Fei scored a game-high 55 points, 24 rebounds, and 6 blocks. He not only broke the single-game scoring record for March Madness but also became the first player in its history to record a 50+20 performance.

Jason Kidd finished with 16 points and dished out 21 assists, setting a new single-game assist record for March Madness.

"Although the University of Michigan lost the game, they fought until the very end. We must give them enough respect, especially Juwan."

"But at the same time, we must congratulate UC Berkeley. As everyone expected, they have become the first team to reach the championship finals."

"Although they haven't lifted the championship trophy yet, I have every reason to believe that this is the closest UC Berkeley has ever been to the first title in their school's history!"

After the game, Juwan Howard pulled his towel over his head, rejected the interviews from the sideline reporters, and walked back to the locker room along the player tunnel.

At the entrance of the tunnel, Juwan Howard ran into his senior, Chris Webber.

Seeing Webber, Juwan broke down in tears instantly.

"I'm sorry, Chris. I couldn't keep your Will of Fire alive."

"I'm the one who should be saying sorry."

Webber's eyes were also brimming with hot tears: "If I could have been standing by your side, the outcome might have been very different."

During today's game, Li Fei's trash talk had left him speechless.

It was as if a knife had been driven deep into his soul.

If only he could have fought alongside his brothers for one more year.

Even if he still hadn't won the championship or found redemption in the end.

At least, Li Fei would have had no reason to call him a coward, right?

The two tough guys embraced, and ripples of emotion stirred in Chris Webber's heart.

If given the chance, how he wished he could fight alongside Juwan in the NBA.

How he longed to take revenge on Li Fei with Juwan in the NBA!

"What are the odds of us drafting Juwan Howard this year?"

At the same time, in Washington.

General manager John Nash of the Washington Bullets watched the two embracing, the scene filled with deep brotherhood, and fell into deep thought.

"Mr. Manager, according to the probabilities, we are likely to land the 5th pick."

"Li Fei, Jason Kidd, Glenn Robinson, Grant Hill—the draft stock for these players should all be higher than Juwan's."

After a pause, the assistant manager reached his conclusion: "So, the probability of us landing Juwan should be quite high."

John Nash narrowed his eyes.

If they really ended up with the 5th pick based on their record, Juwan Howard would absolutely be his top choice.

Of course.

A single Juwan Howard certainly wouldn't be enough to make the Bullets rise.

If they really drafted Juwan, would it be necessary to inquire about the price for Chris Webber?

Juwan Howard + Chris Webber.

Let this pair of Michigan Brothers continue their camaraderie in the NBA?

These two really might have the potential to stir up the Eastern Conference!

"Li, you said on camera before March Madness began that you wanted to see the view from the mountaintop."

On the other side, the game site had already moved into the interview stage: "And today, you have finally advanced to the finals. How is the view from the mountaintop?"

"We have only just reached the summit."

Li Fei's response remained indifferent: "But only the ultimate champion is worthy of enjoying the view from the mountaintop."

Even after advancing to the finals, there was no excitement on Li Fei's face.

The work was not yet finished; there was still one final demon left in the eighty-one tribulations.

Meanwhile, Jason Kidd also stood in front of the reporter's camera, having broken the previous March Madness single-game record of 18 assists.

"It was Li Fei who destroyed the opponent's defensive scheme; he made every aspect of the game simple. As for me, I am just the best partner by Li Fei's side."

"Li Fei and I are the Jordan-Pippen of the NCAA!"

The Jordan-Pippen of the NCAA!

Kidd's words caused a sensation after the game.

In this day and age, what duo would dare to claim they were the Michael Jordan and Pippen duo?

Those two complemented and helped each other, courageously winning three consecutive championships.

They were the universally recognized strongest duo of the era!

Jordan and Pippen had even become a noun in the NBA; every basketball duo wanted to become the next Jordan-Pippen.

However, the very next day after the game ended.

The other set of semifinals kicked off in a blaze of heat.

Before the University of North Carolina and Temple University faced off.

The core player of the University of North Carolina, Rasheed Wallace, responded to Jason Kidd's statement.

"If there really is a Jordan-Pippen in the NCAA, then it must be Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse!"

The Rasheed Wallace raised his voice:

"Because they will sweep away all enemies in this year's March Madness!"