The fourth quarter was a tense exchange of blows. The lead changed hands five times. With two minutes left, the game was tied 57-57.
Renz caught a kick-out pass from Teo and didn't hesitate. Swish. 60-57.
Akashi brought the ball up, utterly calm. He pointed to Midorima, who was already sprinting past half-court. Aomine launched a full-court pass. Midorima caught it, turned, and shot in one fluid motion from the center logo. The ball sailed, a perfect parabola against the artificial sky. 60-60.
On the next possession, Riki drove, saw Murasakibara looming, and instead of passing, he leaped. It was a suicide mission. But as he rose, he twisted, contorting his body to avoid the block, and slammed the ball home with one hand. The dunk echoed through the arena. 62-60.
Teikō answered with a quick two from Aomine. 62-62.
The clock ticked under 30 seconds. Riki held the ball, bleeding the clock. With 10 seconds left, he drove, drawing the defense, and dished to Teo under the basket for an easy layup. 64-62.
Five seconds. Akashi inbounded to Midorima. He took two dribbles and launched from well beyond the arc. Swish. 64-65.
One second left. No timeouts. Flowstate's dream was slipping away.