Beside him, Takamiya Nozomi chimed in through a mouthful of potato chips, his words muffled. "Looks to me like Xiao Wei has reached the end of the road this time."
"Yeah, Hakata Commercial High School is one of the top four teams in the country. They're not that easy to beat. Might as well buy our tickets early and get ready to head home."
Despite his words, he had stopped bringing chips to his mouth, and his eyes unwittingly followed the Shohoku players.
On the court, while the Shohoku players were still stunned by the basket they had just conceded, Akagi took a deep breath and strode into their midst. His broad shoulders looked especially reassuring under the lights, and his voice was low but firm. "Don't panic. It was just one basket. Don't lose your composure."
Akagi's gaze swept over each of his teammates, from Liu Chuanfeng to Mitsui Hisashi, then Sakuragi Hanamichi, before finally settling on Miyagi Ryota.
"Hakata Commercial High School attacks quickly, and their teamwork is excellent, but they're not without weaknesses. We need to slow the pace and tighten our defense. Don't let them get to the basket so easily again."
"Yeah!"
The Shohoku players answered in unison.
"All right, our turn to attack!"
Akagi called out loudly.
"Shohoku, attack!"
"Charge!"
Ryota Miyagi took a deep breath, pushed off with both feet, and charged forward with the ball like an arrow released from its bow.
He lowered his center of gravity, the ball bouncing rapidly beneath his fingertips. Making full use of his agility, he raced up the sideline and reached Hakata Commercial High School's half in an instant.
Hakata Commercial High School's point guard immediately stepped up, spreading his arms to cut off his route.
But Miyagi reacted even faster. Rather than forcing his