Tsukubu's bench.
Kawasaki Kazumi watched his players walk off the court, his voice calm but tinged with concern. "We need to adjust our rhythm. Godai… conserve your stamina. You've overexerted yourself."
Godai Tomokazu bent over, hands on his knees, sweat dripping from his fringe. "Understood," he replied hoarsely. Continuous high-intensity running and shooting had already drained him; his calves were heavy, and if he pushed too hard, he wouldn't last the second half.
Kawasaki picked up the tactics board, quickly sketching running routes. "Don't be fooled by the score. Ryonan seems evenly matched, but your fatigue is showing. Particularly on perimeter runs—you're half a beat slower. If Ryonan adapts, they will pull ahead."
The Tsukubu players exchanged uneasy glances.
Nango Koichiro spoke first, frowning. "Coach, why pull ahead? Ryonan isn't stronger than us. It's still anyone's game."
Kawasaki didn't get angry. Calmly, he asked, "Do you think this is Ryonan's true strength?"
Nango blinked, confused. "Isn't it?"
Kawasaki gestured toward Ryonan's bench. "Their captain hasn't even played. And… look at Sendoh. He hasn't used his full strength once."
The words hit the team like a bucket of cold water. Sendoh, the always-smiling first-year, was far more dangerous than he appeared.
Godai's brow furrowed. "Sendo… his strength… last year's dominance was far beyond this."
Kawasaki tapped the tactics board, refocusing their attention.
Ryonan's bench.
Akashi stood, calm but commanding. "You've done well so far. Tsukubu's strengths are now clear. They won't make major improvements mid-game."
He first turned to Fukuda Kiccho. "You'll replace Ikegami. Watch for backdoor cuts. Decide whether to shoot or pass to disrupt their offensive rhythm."
Fukuda's eyes sparkled with excitement. Finally, his turn.
Next, Akashi addressed Sendoh. "Stop holding back. Widen the gap before the half ends."
Sendoh grinned. "Since you said so, I'll comply."
"Koshino," Akashi continued, eyes sharp, "stick to Godai. Don't let him breathe; exhaust his stamina before the half ends."
Koshino nodded.
Finally, Akashi turned to Uekusa. "Guard Natsume. He's on par with you, but you have the height advantage. Maintain position, monitor passing lanes, and never let him reach Godai."
Uekusa's gaze hardened. "Understood."
Akashi summarized: "Focus on exhausting the opponent's perimeter firepower. Compress the battle to the paint. Fukuda and Sendoh finish, widening the score difference."
"Yes," the players responded in unison.
Back on the court.
Tsukubu launched their offense. As predicted, their focus shifted to Kenta Mine and Izumi Takashi, allowing Godai a chance to rest.
Koshino immediately slid into Godai's path, arms wide, blocking every lane. Godai's eyes widened slightly but quickly regained composure.
Natsume's heart tightened. He wanted to pass to Godai but forced himself to coordinate with the forwards.
Mine and Izumi set up a screen and rushed the paint. Natsume flicked the ball toward it—but before it arrived, a figure darted like a ghost.
Fukuda intercepted with a swift, decisive motion, then flicked the ball accurately to Sendoh, who had already shaken off his defender.
Sendoh's feet were springs, his dribble a white lightning bolt, accelerating past Tsukubu's defenders. He drove straight into the paint and slammed the ball into the hoop.
Clang!
Godai's frustration boiled. He'd hoped to catch his breath, but Koshino's tight defense left no opportunity.
Tsukubu's next play: Godai tried to maneuver around a screen, but Koshino stayed glued to him, arms wide, face-to-face, denying him space.
Nango rushed to intercept the ball from Natsume, but Fukuda anticipated perfectly, cutting off the passing lane.
Natsume hesitated, then passed to Izumi. The small forward sprinted into the paint, faking a move to throw off Fukuda—but it was useless.
Fukuda's eyes locked on the ball. As Izumi prepared to force a layup, a dark shadow loomed: Sendoh, guarding Kenta Mine, snatched the pass like a predator.
Before anyone could react, Sendoh pivoted and dashed toward Tsukubu's basket, unstoppable.
Jump, dunk. Clang!
Ryonan scored another two points.