Chapter 27: Chapter 26: Alex Mo Steals the Spotlight in the Iverson-Marbury Showdown
March Madness was in full swing, and the stage was set for a thrilling matchup in the NCAA Tournament's round of 32. Georgetown University versus Georgia Tech had all the makings of a classic. The media hyped it as a clash of the titans, featuring two of the most electric point guards in the nation: Allen Iverson and Stephen Marbury.
But when the game tipped off, it quickly became apparent that there was another story unfolding—one that centered around Alex Mo, the "Celestial Beast."
The Iverson-Marbury Rivalry Takes Center Stage—or Does It?
From the opening jump, Alex Mo dominated. He crushed Georgia Tech's center in the jump ball, tipping it effortlessly to Iverson. The ball barely touched AI's hands before Marbury was on him, denying the classic Georgetown quarterback pass that often led to Mo's fast-break dunks.
But Iverson adapted quickly, weaving his way past Marbury with a series of lightning-quick crossovers. He reached the paint and delivered a perfect lob to Alex Mo, who soared above the rim to slam it home.
The Verizon Center erupted in cheers.
Alex Mo's Defensive Masterclass
On Georgia Tech's first offensive possession, Marbury drove past Iverson with ease. He elevated for a layup, but Alex Mo was waiting. The 7-foot giant leaped from the weak side, his massive wingspan erasing any hope of a score. The blocked shot sent the ball careening into the stands.
Marbury, unfazed, tried again on the next possession. This time, he dished to Georgia Tech's center, who attempted a dunk. Alex Mo landed, pivoted, and immediately rose again, swatting the shot with authority.
"WoooW!!" The crowd roared as Alex Mo gained complete control of the paint.
Marbury's face twisted in frustration. Every drive to the basket was met with rejection or the looming threat of it.
The Fast Break Machine
Mo Ran's dominance wasn't confined to defense. After his second block, he recovered the ball and sprinted down the court, his long strides eating up the hardwood. The sight of a 7-foot center leading a fast break was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
Georgia Tech's defenders hesitated, unsure whether to contest or get out of the way. They chose the latter.
Alex Mo took two steps from beyond the three-point line, launched himself into the air, and threw down a thunderous one-handed dunk that shook the basket.
Marbury's Frustration Mounts
Marbury refused to back down. He continued to attack, dishing the ball to open teammates. But even when they got clean looks, Alex Mo was always there, flying out of nowhere to block shots. His third volleyball-style rejection of the game sent the ball into the second-tier stands.
On the bench, Georgia Tech's coach threw up his hands in exasperation. "What are you supposed to do against that?" he muttered.
Alex Mo Becomes the Protagonist
By halftime, the game was no longer about Iverson and Marbury. Alex Mo had stolen the show.
Halftime Stats: Alex Mo: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks.Iverson: 10 points, 4 assists.Marbury: 8 points, 3 assists, and a lot of frustration.
The Verizon Center buzzed with excitement. Fans and commentators alike were in awe of Alex Mo's ability to dominate both ends of the court.
"Forget Iverson versus Marbury," one ESPN commentator said during the break. "This game is the Alex Mo Show."
The Second Half: A Statement Win
The second half was more of the same. Alex Mo continued to disrupt Georgia Tech's offense, finishing the game with a triple-double: 28 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 blocks. Iverson added 18 points and 8 assists, cementing Georgetown's blowout victory.
On the other side, Marbury fought valiantly but couldn't overcome Alex Mo's dominance. He finished with 15 points but shot just 6-for-18 from the field.
The Aftermath
In the postgame interview, Marbury was gracious but visibly frustrated. "We knew it'd be tough against Georgetown," he said. "But Alex Mo is something else. He's a monster."
Iverson, on the other hand, was his usual charismatic self. "Mo's the real deal," he said, flashing his trademark grin. "When you've got a guy like that on your team, it makes my job easy."
Alex Mo: The Star of March Madness
The media quickly shifted their focus from Iverson vs. Marbury to Mo Ran's incredible performance. Headlines like "The Celestial Beast Takes Over the NCAA" and "Alex Mo Dominates Georgia Tech" began to circulate.
Georgetown advanced to the Sweet 16, their confidence soaring. With Alex Mo anchoring the paint and Iverson leading the backcourt, they looked unstoppable.
For Alex Mo, the journey was far from over. But one thing was clear: March Madness had a new star.