Shohoku counterattacked.
Miyagi pushed forward quickly, but Kazunari Fukatsu was like a moving wall of despair, using his powerful body and precise anticipation to stay glued to Miyagi, keeping the speed of Lightning Flash firmly in check.
The defensive pressure from the "nation's number one point guard" made every step forward exceptionally difficult for Miyagi.
"Miyagi!" Ryota Kudo quickly moved up to the high post, his voice carrying an unwavering steadiness.
As though granted a reprieve, Miyagi immediately passed the ball.
Ryota Kudo received it at the top of the arc, with Masahiro Nobe guarding him.
Nobe was powerfully built, with an exceptionally stable base and a deeply lowered center of gravity. He used his experience to shut down Kudo's driving lanes, his eyes fierce. "Kid, don't think you're getting past me easily!"
Ryota Kudo's gaze was sharp as a blade. His declaration that he would go all out in the first half would start becoming reality now.
He did not choose to force a drive, instead sweeping his gaze across the court like radar.
Hisashi Mitsui was being shadowed relentlessly by Satoshi Ichinokura. Like an adhesive that could not be shaken off, Ichinokura used tireless running and precise positioning to cut off every passing lane to Mitsui. Sweat had already soaked Mitsui's temples.
On the wing, Kaede Rukawa was locked in a silent struggle with Sawakita, every movement accompanied by intense physical contact.
Under the basket, Sakuragi was engaged in the most primal physical battle with Kawata. The dull thuds of colliding muscles were clearly audible, and he was completely outmatched.
The opportunity was fleeting. Kudo moved.
He gave a convincing shot fake, but the experienced Nobe did not shift his weight an inch.
Then Kudo's footwork abruptly became unpredictable and bizarre-Dai Moroboshi's signature Phantom Dance Steps!
His center