Miuradai got off to a good start, with Wu Yufei's two individual plays putting them up 4:0.
"Damn it! Keep attacking! Play at the speed we're best at!!"
After inbounding the ball, Kishimoto Minori sprinted toward Miuradai's half while shouting.
However, by the time Toyotama's entire team crossed half court, the Miuradai players had already set up their formation and were waiting at ease. Toyotama's attempt to use speed to disrupt Miuradai's defensive rhythm failed once again.
"Damn it!!"
Itakura Daijiro was having an extremely hard time under Wu Yufei's tight defense. Forget threading passes to Kishimoto and Minami Retsu—he had to work hard just to protect the ball, and one moment of carelessness could result in a steal.
Toyotama excelled at run-and-gun offense. It was all they knew how to do.
Once the game turned into a half-court battle, they found themselves completely helpless against Miuradai's zone defense.
Second by second, time ticked away. In the end, Kishimoto Minori's mid-range buzzer-beater clanged off the rim, and Naito Tetsuya snatched the rebound with authority. Toyotama lost another offensive possession and gave Miuradai another chance to widen the gap.
Taking Naito's pass, Miuradai officially launched its counterattack.
But this time, Wu Yufei did not accelerate for another hard drive. Instead, he deliberately slowed the pace, dribbling forward unhurriedly as if he were preparing to play a half-court game against Toyotama.
However, when Wu Yufei reached the frontcourt, the player who stepped up to defend him was not Toyotama's point guard Itakura Daijiro, but their captain, Minami Retsu.
"What a terrifying look in your eyes."
Wu Yufei looked at Minami Retsu standing before him and spoke with a teasing smile.
"..."
Minami Retsu did not respond, but his gaze remained frightening.
"So, how exactly do you plan to deal with me, Mr.