Meanwhile, on the other locker room, the Baby-Boom staff and players were working on the second half of the game.
The air was hot and heavy, filled with the squeak of shoes and the hiss of showers in the back.
Towels, jerseys, and bottles were everywhere as the players and staff moved around, stretching, wiping sweat, and giving each other quick high-fives.
The match wasn't over yet, but climbing back this huge gap from the first quarter had the same taste as victory.
A short brunette staffer with a clipboard paced down the center, sneakers squeaking as she barked orders.
"Tighten those laces, girls! Second half's our kill zone, push hard in the paint and stay on them!"
The subs cheered in response, hands clapping, sweat glistening on their skin.
A tall forward with braids grinned.
"We got 'em on the ropes! Keep feeding Kai inside!"
A wiry girl with freckles was wrapping her fingers in tape.
