Chapter Five: The Twelve-Free-Throw Trap

The Embers won 87–83. Iron Harbor attempted thirty-six free throws to Northport's twelve. Yet Han's dunk, captured from dozens of angles, reached the rankings first. No edit could contain it. Reporters demanded to know whether Lu accused the officials of corruption. “I state only verifiable facts.” He displayed Tang's timeline. “The same commercial accounts promoted the edited clip. Three sponsors withdrew simultaneously. Six disputed calls benefited the same side. The full footage is public. Anyone who disagrees may bring complete evidence.” That night, the committee suspended the lead referee from further games but kept Lu's inquiry open.