As Nango expected, the moment Sendo received the pass from the baseline, he immediately started dribbling, searching for his rhythm and preparing for a solo play. Passing to Uozumi didn't even cross his mind. But once again, Uozumi thoughtfully stepped up to set a screen for him.
Sendo used the screen, rose for a jumper over Akagi, and cleanly sank the shot. Shohoku was left with only 8 seconds.
"Let me do it," Nango volunteered for the final possession, signaling Miyagi not to bring the ball up.
Akagi didn't hesitate and passed it straight to him.
As soon as Nango caught the ball, he sprinted into the frontcourt.
Sendo immediately stuck to him like glue, searching for an opening to steal, the two running shoulder-to-shoulder.
Hanagata adjusted his glasses, voice rising. "Nango's coming again!"
Maki's eyes sharpened with interest. "Has he finally decided to take matters into his own hands?"
Aida Yayoi gripped her notebook. "Can Sendo and Ryonan stop this shot?"
Eight seconds was plenty for Nango to rush from the backcourt to the three-point line. But he didn't stop there—he drove Sendo inside the arc, suddenly braked hard, and rose for a jumper.
Sendo reacted instantly, springing up with him, arm stretched as far as it would go to block his vision.
But Nango ignored it. He twisted in midair and fired while still drifting sideways.
Sendo landed, eyes locked on the ball as it bounced off the backboard and rim. That shot was way off-balance—no way it drops!
"Clank! Clank! Swish!"
The ball rattled twice, then fell clean through the net.
"Off the glass?" Sendo turned in disbelief.
Nango grinned mischievously. "That's right. I aimed for the backboard. Surprised?" Without looking back, he strolled straight into the locker room.
"Nango is the best!" Kano shouted, trying once again to hold Eri's hand.
She crossed her arms and scoffed, "Not a chance."
In the stands, an elderly man unscrewed his thermos and chuckled. "Shohoku's youngsters played very well in those final minutes."
The gray-clad man beside him nodded. "Their counterattacks are deadly. All those first-years can run and jump—it's exciting basketball."
The old man blew across his cup, eyes thoughtful. "But this boy, Nango… he sacrificed so much. Always thinking of his teammates, defending tirelessly, rarely seeking shots for himself. If the team were built around him, his performance would soar."
"Teacher thinks highly of him," the gray man smiled.
"He has potential. With Coach Anzai's guidance, he'll become a player every school will covet." The old man paused, then added, "Arrange a time to reach out to him. I'll also pay Coach Anzai a visit."
The gray man flattered, "With Teacher personally stepping in, Nittaidai will surely land him."
The old man teased, "And isn't Japan's famed point guard, Hyuga Yuichi, extending the invitation enough?"
Hyuga humbly waved it off. "You jest. My name pales in comparison to Ichiro Kawasaki—the national team's coach and Nittaidai's pride."
Meanwhile, both locker rooms buzzed.
Kakuta ran up, eyes shining. "Nango! That last shot was insane!"
"Haha, it was alright," Nango replied, wiping sweat with a grin.
Shiozaki added, "We're only four points behind! In the second half, we'll turn it around and win the Prefectural Tournament!"
Ayako tapped them with her fan. "That's the spirit I want to hear!"
Nango then pulled Miyagi aside. "Senior, just shoot with confidence. This game is your chance—don't let it slip."
"Hm…" Miyagi's brows furrowed. He knew it was true, but the weight of missing shots still made him uneasy.
Across the hall, Hikoichi held his notebook out to Uozumi. "Captain, your passing today is incredible! Even Akagi can't keep up with you!"
Uozumi scratched his head, ready to deflect, when Coach Taoka—unusually—praised him as well. "Excellent work, Uozumi. You've surprised even me."
Normally, halftime began with scolding, making the coach's words hit even harder.
"Just keep playing your best," Taoka said warmly.
"Coach…" Uozumi's throat tightened. He wanted to hug his stern mentor, but instead, clenched his fists. I'll repay this trust with my performance.
Taoka addressed the team. "In the second half, build the offense around Uozumi. On defense, force Miyagi into long shots. And watch your transition defense—don't let Shohoku run wild."
"Yes!" the team roared.
—
After the break, both sides returned to the court. The second half began.
"Ha!" With renewed confidence, Uozumi again beat Akagi on the tip, directing the ball to his teammate.
"Tch…" Akagi clicked his tongue. He's such a handful.
After several passes, the ball returned to Uozumi.
Burned by Nango in the first half, Uozumi kept a wary eye on him now, using his peripheral vision.
"He's smarter now," Nango muttered.
With Uozumi alert, Nango couldn't leave Fukuda freely to gamble on a steal. Fukuda's cutting was too sharp, and Sakuragi alone couldn't protect the rim.
But even so, Uozumi's options were limited. Ryonan's offense was shaky:
Ikegami, solid defender, weak scorer.
Fukuda, strong post-up and cutting, unreliable outside shot.
Sugadaira, decent shooter, but locked down by Sakuragi.
That left only Sendo as a real threat.
As expected, after a cross-screen with Ikegami, Sendo received Uozumi's pass and rose immediately. Miyagi could only watch helplessly as the ball swished cleanly.
"Damn it…" both Rukawa and Miyagi cursed under their breath.
But Nango smiled faintly. This Shohoku team… full of flaws, yet never lacking spirit. The more they're pushed, the stronger they fight back. They'll find their moment. As long as they don't give in, there will always be an opening.
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