The opening exchange of offense and defense (III)

After Daiei Academy scored, Ryonan quickly launched another attack.

Sento took the basketball from Chi Tong and, barely pausing, dribbled swiftly into Daiei Academy's half.

His dribbling rhythm looked casual, but every step exploited a gap in the defense. Before long, he was approaching Daiei Academy's three-point line.

Tu Chun had already anticipated Sento's route and positioned himself inside the three-point line, ready to guard him closely.

He leaned forward slightly, spreading his hands and staying tight beside Sendoh. His eyes remained fixed on the basketball, and he occasionally reached out to disrupt Sendoh's dribbling rhythm.

Every time Sendoh changed direction, Tu Chun quickly adjusted his footwork, maintaining constant pressure.

They were so close they could almost feel each other's breath. Getting past me won't be that easy.

Tu Chun thought to himself, putting a little more force into his movements as he tried to steal the ball from Sendoh.

But Sendoh was clearly not so easily rattled. Despite Tu Wu Chun's relentless pressure, a relaxed smile remained on his face.

His dribbling suddenly accelerated, the basketball bouncing so quickly beneath his fingertips that it became a blur.

He kept adjusting his footwork, cutting left one moment and driving right the next. Every feint was convincing enough to nearly fool Tu Wu Chun, yet he never exposed a real opening.

The two became locked in an intense battle of offense and defense, and the atmosphere on the court instantly grew tense.

Just then, Sendoh abruptly stopped. His swift advance came to a sudden halt, and he leaned back slightly to evade Tu Wu Chun's reaching hand.

Immediately afterward, he pressed his wrist down lightly. The basketball bounced low off the floor, tracing a shallow arc as it flew straight to Fukuda Kicchou on the other side. The entire movement was