Shohoku seemed to have fully adjusted to the pace of the game against Hakata Commercial High School. They played more smoothly with every possession, their offense operating like a finely tuned machine. Passes, movement, and shots flowed seamlessly together, every attack precise and efficient. Like water pouring from an open faucet, they simply could not be stopped.
Even so, Hakata Commercial High School continued to score through their considerable strength. Their center dunked under pressure, their small forward converted a steal into a fast-break basket, and they even blocked one of Rukawa Kaede's layups before scoring on the counterattack.
But those scattered baskets could do nothing to stop the shrinking gap. Shohoku always answered their points with an even fiercer attack, drawing closer and closer.
As the clock ticked down, Hakata Commercial High School's sense of danger intensified, and their vigilance reached its peak. Their pregame arrogance and disdain for Shohoku had vanished completely, replaced by respect and anxiety toward the opponents before them.
In the latter stages of the game, Shohoku's rhythm took complete control.
And Sakuragi Hanamichi, who had been relatively quiet until then, finally showed his ability at a crucial moment, becoming another key force behind Shohoku's comeback.
On defense, Sakuragi Hanamichi seemed to have suddenly unlocked his full potential.
When Hakata Commercial High School's small forward tried to drive in for a layup, he sprang up from the side like a coiled spring, stretched out his long arm, and pinned the ball firmly against the backboard for a clean block.
Then, as Hakata Commercial High School's center powered his way inside and prepared to rise for a dunk, Sakuragi Hanamichi rotated over in time once again. He pressed both hands hard against the opponent's arms, forcing a mistake.
Those crucial blocks not only stopped Hakata Commercial