The behind-the-back pass came at an extremely tricky angle, slipping neatly past the Hakata Commercial High School center's line of sight. Its timing was impeccable, too. Akagi had already spread his arms, ready to receive it. Just as the ball was about to settle into his hands, a figure darted in diagonally, appearing like a flash of blue lightning.
It was Hakata Commercial High School's small forward. At some point, he had quietly circled behind Liu Chuanfeng's flank, anticipating the passing lane all along. Now he seized his chance, reaching out with his right hand like a cheetah to intercept the ball.
The crisp smack of the interception echoed clearly through the spacious gym. Rukawa's gaze sharpened abruptly. His already impassive expression stiffened further, and his brows drew together despite himself.
He was stunned. He had thought the pass was thoroughly disguised, yet his opponent had read it and picked it off.
After stealing the ball, Hakata Commercial High School's small forward did not pause for an instant. He immediately turned and dribbled toward Shohoku's half on a fast break.
He was incredibly fast, his legs seemingly spring-loaded as he covered enormous distances with every stride.
Shohoku's players hurriedly turned to get back on defense, but the other Hakata Commercial High School players had already matched his pace and surged toward Shohoku's basket. In the blink of an eye, they had the numbers advantage.
Miyagi Ryota chased with everything he had, hoping to steal the ball from the side, but another Hakata Commercial High School player blocked his path completely.
Mitsui Hisashi and Liu Chuanfeng were also racing back, but they were still too far from the basket to stop the attack.
As Hakata Commercial High School's small forward approached Shohoku's basket, he suddenly stopped short and turned slightly sideways.