Shohoku went on offense. Ryota Miyagi pushed the ball upcourt quickly, trying to use his speed advantage to disrupt the opposition's rhythm.
But Daiei got back on defense very quickly and kept their formation intact. Miyagi passed the ball to Ryota Kudo.
Kudo received the ball near the free-throw line, facing Jun Tsuchiya's defense.
Jun Tsuchiya positioned himself cleverly on defense, keeping a step of distance so he could contest a shot or quickly close in against a drive. His center of gravity stayed low and steady, his gaze focused.
Ryota Kudo tried to blow past him with a quick first step, but Jun Tsuchiya slid laterally faster than he had expected and immediately cut off his driving lane.
Kudo gathered the ball and faked a shot. Jun Tsuchiya did not bite, simply raising his arms to obstruct his view.
With no other option, Kudo kicked the ball out to Hisashi Mitsui, who had gotten open on the perimeter.
Hisashi Mitsui caught the ball, but Sho Sato rotated over in time to disrupt his shooting rhythm. Mitsui's release was a little rushed.
Clang! The basketball hit the rim and bounced out!
"Rebound!" Both teams' inside players roared at once!
The area beneath the basket instantly became a wrestling ground, with Hanamichi Sakuragi and Hiroshi Nakamura locked against each other.
Ryota Kudo also tried to crash the boards, but Jun Tsuchiya cleverly used his body to keep him behind him.
With his tremendous weight and superior position, Hiroshi Nakamura held the advantage like a massive beast, leaping straight up to grab the defensive rebound with ease.
Daiei went on offense, once again running a composed half-court set. The ball returned to Jun Tsuchiya. This time, he held it at the top of the arc, facing the basket, while Ryota Kudo stood