Both teams remained in their locker rooms, adjusting their game plans for the second half. Meanwhile, the spectators buzzed with discussion, the atmosphere thick with excitement and analysis.
In the press box, the reporters were relentless, sipping tea as they exchanged insights.
"I didn't expect Shohoku to be so strong. They actually managed to suppress Meihou Industrial. That's no easy feat!"
"Especially the way they limited Morishige Hiroshi's impact. In the last few minutes of the first half, he couldn't even get the ball."
"By the way, what's the name of that red-haired kid from Shohoku? He's becoming famous after this game, isn't he?"
"It's not that simple. I think Morishige Hiroshi was tired in the first half. He'll probably be more dangerous in the second."
Aida Yayoi scoffed softly. "If this is already Morishige Hiroshi being tired, then he'll only be more exhausted later. Akagi has been resting for quite a while."
Nakamura put down his camera. "Miss Aida, what adjustments do you think Meihou Industrial will make?"
Yayoi thought for a moment.
"The biggest problem is the way they pass to Morishige Hiroshi. Letting him sit in the paint and post up is highly destructive, but also easy to target.
If they could shift him to the high post like Uozumi from Ryonan, their offense would diversify. But… I'm not sure they've practiced that."
Soon, the second half began. Given Shohoku's advantageous position, Coach Anzai chose to keep Akagi on the bench.
Meihou Industrial made no changes either. They were still behind—if Morishige Hiroshi rested and Shohoku widened the gap, re-entering later would be meaningless.
Sakuragi approached the center circle for the jump ball against Morishige Hiroshi. Nango briefly considered stopping him but gave up. It's just the jump ball. Even if they get possession, we can handle it.
Sakuragi glared at Morishige Hiroshi, who no longer wore the cocky smile from earlier. Now his face was blank—focused, serious. He finally understood this wouldn't be an easy game.
The referee stepped between them, glanced at each player, and tossed the ball upward.
"Haaah!" Sakuragi roared as he leaped into the air, slapping the ball first.
Morishige Hiroshi jumped a beat later, colliding into Sakuragi again and throwing him off balance—but Sakuragi didn't need to catch it. He batted it forward.
Miyagi and Rukawa sprinted toward the loose ball. Miyagi got it first, then immediately passed it to Rukawa, who finished with a clean layup.
Shohoku extended the lead to ten points immediately. A brutal start for Meihou Industrial.
Though rattled, Meihou quickly regrouped. There was plenty of time left.
Hayama handled the ball up top. Instead of waiting in the restricted area, Morishige Hiroshi stepped out to set a high screen.
Hayama used the screen to easily get past Miyagi. Sakuragi hesitated—guard Hayama or chase Morishige rolling inside?
Hayama didn't hesitate. He pulled up and nailed the long two.
Meihou had finally broken the drought, and crucially, it wasn't Morishige scoring.
"They really went with that adjustment… Miss Aida, what will Shohoku do?" Nakamura asked with admiration.
Yayoi shook her head lightly.
"It's complicated. Even if Coach Anzai puts Akagi back in, stopping Morishige Hiroshi's roll is difficult. Shohoku might need a different solution…"
Miyagi dribbled at the top, searching for an angle.
Morishige's defensive position had shifted. Instead of anchoring deep, he stood at the edge of the paint, pulling Kawashima Naoto further out. Kawashima was practically on the three-point line.
Seeing this, Nango had an idea.
He ran toward Miyagi, executed a hand-off, then accelerated sharply toward the basket.
Kawashima's defense covered a large range but his footwork was slow. Two quick changes of direction, and Nango was past him.
Morishige didn't immediately step up. He waited, massive frame braced like a boulder.
Nango won't avoid him. He'll come right at me, he thought.
Nango did exactly that. He drove straight at Morishige. One step away, Morishige's huge arms swung horizontally to meet him.
Nango switched the ball to his left, spun off the contact, then shifted it to his right and extended for a layup.
Morishige turned incredibly fast—too fast—and leaped. His arm came down like a guillotine.
SLAP!
He sent the ball off the backboard with such force that it shook violently.
Meihou's supporters began rising to cheer. Morishige grabbed the ball to start a fast break—
But the whistle pierced the gym.
"Beep! Goaltending!"
The referee pointed at the backboard and signaled the scorekeeper to add two points for Shohoku.
The ball had clearly hit the glass before Morishige touched it.
Morishige and Nango frowned. Morishige regretted being half a step late. Nango was disappointed he didn't draw the foul he wanted.
His reaction speed is monstrous… I have to hit him head-on next time, Nango thought.
Before he could finish strategizing, Meihou launched another pick-and-roll.
Hayama drove. Sakuragi hesitated again—help Miyagi or guard Morishige?
Hayama lobbed the ball into the paint. Morishige secured it, then bulldozed forward like an unstoppable beast.
Nango stepped aside. Trying to block that would just be suicide.
BOOM!
Morishige slammed it with both hands, hanging on the rim to vent his frustration and hype his team up.
"YEAH!!" The Meihou fans erupted.
Morishige hung for a beat, then lowered his head with a smug smile—only to see Nango already holding the ball, ready to inbound.
You little punk…
Morishige cursed inwardly and hurried to drop down from the rim.
Too late.
Nango had already inbounded to Miyagi.
And he himself was already sprinting downcourt like a bullet.