On the next possession, No. 10 beat Minami Tsuyoshi off the dribble again and scored another basket with a double-clutch layup.
The score was very close, with the two sides evenly matched.
In the stands, everyone from Shohoku had gotten a rough idea of their abilities. Both teams were a considerable way behind Shohoku.
With two minutes left in the first half, Toyotama High School led by four points, but Minami Tsuyoshi was getting completely outplayed in his individual matchup.
He could not guard the opposing team's star, No. 10, at all. His opponent had already scored 24 points on him.
Minami Tsuyoshi stole a glance at the referee. He was ready to make his move.
It was Akizuki High School's possession again, and No. 10 faced Minami Tsuyoshi once more.
At a single fake, Minami Tsuyoshi suddenly leaped up in an exaggerated attempt to block the shot.
It was an absurd way to get caught out of position on defense, and No. 10 had a bad feeling.
But with his opponent leaving such a huge opening, No. 10 could not resist driving past him.
Two big men stood inside for Toyotama High School, both eyeing No. 10 like predators.
Out of habit, No. 10 once again chose to pull up for a midrange jumper near the free-throw line.
But just as he was about to release the ball, a tremendous force struck him from behind.
Minami Tsuyoshi slammed into No. 10's back with all his strength.
No. 10 instantly lost his balance in midair and crashed heavily to the floor.
And as he came down, No. 10 instinctively landed on one foot, trying to regain his balance.
But that did nothing to save him. Instead, it made his injury even worse, bending the bones of one leg backward at