NBA: Built to Dominate

October 17th, 1995

The new NCAA basketball season was finally here. Across the United States, conferences like the Big East, Big 12, and Pac-10 were kicking off their games, and Georgetown University was no exception.

For the Georgetown Exclamations, expectations were sky-high. With Allen Iverson leading the charge and the towering Alex Mo making waves during the preseason, fans and analysts alike had their eyes on this team.

Verizon Center – Washington, D.C.

Georgetown's home arena was alive with energy. The stands were packed, with 20,600 fans eagerly awaiting the season debut of Allen Iverson, the most anticipated college player in the country.

"Look at that crowd!" the Washington TV commentator exclaimed. "They're here for one reason to see Iverson light it up!"

As the players entered the court, the cheers reached a deafening pitch. Iverson was the first to emerge from the tunnel, greeted by chants of "AI! AI!"

But amidst the excitement for Iverson, a new name was beginning to circulate in the arena: Alex Mo.

"That's the freshman from China, right?" a fan murmured.

"Yeah, the one who destroyed North Carolina in the warm-up game!"

Alex stood at the back of the lineup, towering over his teammates. His presence was commanding, and even those unfamiliar with his performance couldn't ignore his size and intensity.

The Opponent: St. John's Red Storm

While Georgetown fans celebrated, St. John's University was locked in on their game plan.

"Double-team Iverson," Coach Brand instructed his players, circling Iverson's number on the whiteboard. "If we take him out of the game, Georgetown will crumble."

The Red Storm players nodded. St. John's had no illusions about Georgetown's firepower, and they knew neutralizing Iverson was their best shot at an upset.

The Starting Lineup

When the warm-ups ended, the announcer called out the starting lineup for Georgetown.

"Starting at center, the freshman—Alex Mo!"

The crowd murmured in surprise. A freshman starting so soon? But those who had followed Georgetown closely weren't shocked.

"Didn't he drop 35 points on North Carolina?"

"Yeah, but starting already? This kid must be something special."

Iverson, standing beside Alex, grinned. "Time to show them what you're made of, big guy."

The Opening Tip

As the centers lined up for the tip-off, Alex stood tall, towering over his opponent. The referee tossed the ball into the air, and Alex easily tipped it to Iverson.

The game was on.

But Iverson didn't hold the ball for long. Instead, he took one step back and launched a perfect long pass down the court—a quarterback pass straight to Alex, who had already taken off in a sprint.

The crowd gasped as the ball flew through the air like a bullet.

"Is that… a football pass?!" the commentator exclaimed.

The Beast Unleashed

Alex caught the pass just inside the three-point line, his long legs already in motion. With two massive strides, he covered the distance to the paint, launching himself into the air.

BOOM!

The rim rattled violently as Alex slammed the ball home with authority. The fans erupted in cheers, and even St. John's players stood frozen, stunned by the display of athleticism.

"Did you see that?" the commentator shouted. "Iverson with the quarterback pass, and Alex Mo finishes it with a thunderous dunk! What a way to start the season!"

St. John's Scrambles

The Red Storm players were visibly shaken. Their entire game plan revolved around shutting down Iverson, but in just one play, Alex had shown he was a force to be reckoned with.

Coach Brand yelled from the sidelines, "Get back on defense! Don't let him run the court like that!"

But it was easier said than done. Alex's size and speed made him nearly impossible to stop in transition.

The First Half

Georgetown's dynamic duo of Iverson and Alex dominated the first half. While Iverson dazzled with his ball-handling and mid-range jumpers, Alex controlled the paint, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots with ease.

By halftime, Georgetown led 42–28. Alex had already recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Iverson had racked up 12 points and 7 assists.

The crowd was on their feet as the players headed to the locker room.

Halftime Adjustments

In the Georgetown locker room, Coach Thompson addressed the team. "We've got them on the ropes. Alex, keep punishing them inside. Allen, stay aggressive and keep finding those openings."

Iverson nodded, glancing at Alex. "You ready to finish this?"

Alex smirked. "Always."

Second Half: More of the Same

The second half was a continuation of Georgetown's dominance. St. John's tried to adjust, sending more defenders at Alex in the paint, but it only opened up opportunities for Iverson on the perimeter.

Late in the game, Iverson threw another long pass to Alex, who finished with another thunderous dunk, bringing the crowd to its feet once more.

By the time the final buzzer sounded, Georgetown had secured a 78–55 victory.

Postgame

As the players celebrated, Iverson draped an arm around Alex's shoulders. "Man, you're a beast. The whole country's going to know your name after this."

Alex chuckled. "Let's make sure they remember yours too."

Coach Thompson joined them, clapping both players on the back. "Great game, both of you. This is just the beginning."