A Deadlock

At Yoyogi Gymnasium's Court One, the Winter Cup final between Miuradai and Shohoku was underway.

The game had now entered the final few minutes of the first half.

Up to this point, Miuradai had maintained a relatively safe lead.

The score on the court was currently Miuradai 37, Shohoku 28. Holding a nine-point advantage, what Miuradai wanted most was naturally to extend that lead and stabilize it in double digits before the first half ended.

As long as they could achieve that goal, they would be in a much more favorable position in the second half, while also dealing a heavy blow to the fighting spirit of everyone on the opposing team.

"Step up the defense! Don't give them any chances! Extend the lead further!!"

As Wu Yufei swiftly organized the team's retreat on defense, he loudly rallied their morale.

"Roar!!"

Naturally, the players obeyed their captain's orders without hesitation and carried them out resolutely. The entire Miuradai team rushed back to their half at top speed, set up their formation, and waited with surging fighting spirit for their opponents to attack.

Feeling the powerful aura radiating from Miuradai's players, Shohoku, as the attacking side, naturally wore extremely solemn expressions.

But no matter what, even if there were mountains of blades and seas of fire ahead, they could only grit their teeth and force their way through!

After advancing the ball into the frontcourt, Matsuoka Teruji did not immediately accelerate into a drive. Instead, he carefully organized his teammates' movements.

Off to the side, Rukawa Kaede was still having a lively battle with Wu Yufei. After taking a glance, Matsuoka Teruji immediately gave up on the idea of passing to Rukawa Kaede.

At 14:04, after a long and patient stretch of probing in Miuradai's frontcourt, Shohoku finally tore open a