On the court, Ryota Kudo moved!
There were no flashy changes of direction or feints. He simply drove forward with a brutally straightforward same-side step, pushing hard off his right foot and leaning his shoulder into Tetsuya Takao as he bulldozed straight toward the basket like a tank!
"What?!" Tetsuya Takao felt a tremendous force coming from his side. Ryota Kudo was far stronger than he had imagined!
He tried to brace himself against it, but the difference in strength was undeniable, and he staggered back a step despite himself!
That single step of space was already enough for Ryota Kudo!
He seized the opening, gathered the ball, and rose without a moment's hesitation for a textbook midrange jumper!
The basketball traced a steady arc through the air.
Swish!
Nothing but net! 22-21!
Shohoku took the lead again!
In the stands, Dai Moroboshi immediately spotted what was happening and could not help laughing. "Pfft... Maki, look. Isn't that your style? So ugly... but it really does work."
Shinichi Maki smiled, unbothered. "When it comes down to it, the simplest ways to score are often the most effective.
"Looking good has never been the most important thing."
He watched Ryota Kudo with appreciation. That all-around adaptability, adjusting his style at any moment to suit his opponent and the situation, was what made him truly frightening.
"Damn it!" After landing, Tetsuya Takao shot the referee an intensely frustrated look and raised his hand to signal that Kudo had committed a charging foul.
But the referee extended both hands forward, signaling for play to continue. It had been legal body contact.
The call only sent Tetsuya Takao's temper soaring higher.
His judgment clouded by anger, he immediately shouted at his teammate inbounding from the baseline, "Give me the ball!"
After receiving it, he