The first half flew by. On the electronic scoreboard, Aiwa Academy's score kept climbing as Dai Moroboshi attacked again and again.
On Shohoku's side, Ryota Kudo used his cool head and precise passing to keep creating scoring opportunities for Hisashi Mitsui, Akagi, and Kaede Rukawa whenever he found an opening.
But their efficiency could not match Moroboshi, who played like a god descended to earth. Shohoku was thoroughly on the back foot.
In the stands, quite a few reporters excitedly snapped photo after photo.
A lone hero like Moroboshi carrying an entire team was the kind of spectacle every fan loved.
"Tweet! Shohoku High School calls a timeout!"
Coach Anzai called a timely timeout, putting a temporary stop to Moroboshi's frenzied performance.
25-18!
Aiwa Academy led by seven, and Moroboshi's numbers in under ten minutes were jaw-dropping-9-for-13 from the field, 3-for-3 at the free-throw line, and a staggering 21 points!
He had suppressed the formidable Shohoku almost single-handedly. His title of Aichi Star was no joke.
Shohoku's players walked silently toward the bench, their jerseys soaked with sweat and their breathing somewhat heavy.
Without a word, Kaede Rukawa took a towel and draped it over his head. He sat down, his chest heaving, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Takenori Akagi stood with his hands on his hips, his face livid, clearly brooding over his failure to contain Moroboshi's drives.
Hanamichi Sakuragi tugged at his red hair in frustration. His eyes strayed toward Kaede Rukawa as he muttered, "Why can't that damn Stinky Fox stop that pretty boy? This is all his fault."
"Ho ho ho... you're playing well. Keep the tempo steady. We're only behind for now." Coach Anzai's calm voice rang out, a steadying anchor.
He adjusted his glasses and swept his gaze over the somewhat dejected players