The game carried on at a furious pace. Both teams were exhausted, but adrenaline pushed them through. Every possession felt like it could decide the outcome. The Titans attacked first. Khalil caught the ball on the block, Eli pressing against him with everything he had left. Khalil lowered his shoulder, spun baseline, and powered up through Eli's arms. Eli tried to hold his ground, but Khalil's strength overwhelmed him. The ball dropped in off the glass. The Titans nudged ahead, 92–90. Eli clenched his jaw, frustrated, but he refused to back down. Khalil jogged back, calm, while Eli's chest burned with the weight of trying to stop him.
Bayview responded. Darius brought the ball up, scanning the floor. He called for a screen, drew Micah toward him, and slipped a pass to Daren curling off the wing. Tyrese chased hard, but Daren rose quickly and fired from deep. The shot snapped through the net, swinging the lead back to Bayview, 93–92. Daren's eyes flicked toward Tyrese as he jogged back. Tyrese's smirk faded. He hated giving him that space, hated the idea of Daren scoring on him. The rivalry between them burned hotter with every possession.
The Titans came again. This time Tyrese took control. He dribbled at the top, Daren crouched low in front of him, sweat dripping down his face. Tyrese gave a quick hesitation, then stepped back behind the arc. Daren lunged, but Tyrese had already released it. The ball arced high and dropped clean. The Titans reclaimed the lead, 95–93. Tyrese held his follow-through, staring at Daren. You can't stop me, his eyes seemed to say. Daren's fists clenched. He wanted that shot back. He wanted to answer.
Bayview didn't hesitate. Darius pushed the pace, weaving through defenders. Micah stayed glued to him, but Darius shifted gears, spun, and pulled up from mid-range. The ball kissed the rim and fell through, tying the game at 95 apiece. Darius exhaled, steady. He wasn't just passing anymore. He was scoring too. Micah shook his head, frustrated that even his pressure couldn't stop Darius from finding a way.
The Titans returned to Khalil. He caught the ball deep again, Eli bracing for the collision. Khalil faked middle, spun baseline, and rose for a dunk. Eli jumped with him, arms stretched, but Khalil hammered it down anyway. The crowd erupted as the Titans surged back in front, 97–95. Eli landed hard, his body aching, but his pride hurt more. He looked at Khalil, who didn't even celebrate. He just turned and ran back. That calmness cut deeper than the dunk itself.
Bayview answered with patience. Daren handled the ball this time, Tyrese pressing tight. Daren jabbed, pulled back, and rose for another three. Tyrese contested, but the shot still dropped. Bayview snatched the lead again, 98–97. Daren's face stayed stone cold, but inside he was burning. You won't outshoot me, he thought. Tyrese's teeth clenched. He hated that Daren kept finding ways to score.
The Titans struck again. Tyrese called for the ball, waving off Khalil. He wanted this one. He dribbled hard left, crossed back right, and stepped into another three. Daren was there, hand in his face, but Tyrese drilled it anyway. The Titans roared back in front, 100–98. He turned and jogged back, eyes locked on Daren. You'll never be above me, he thought. Daren's chest tightened. He wanted to scream, but he swallowed it. He'd answer with play, not words.
Bayview's next possession was orchestrated by Darius. He drove hard, pulled both Micah and Khalil toward him, then slipped a bounce pass to Eli. Eli caught it, but Khalil was already there. Eli forced it up, and the ball rolled off the rim. Khalil grabbed the rebound, and Eli's frustration boiled. He couldn't beat him inside. Not tonight. Not yet. The score stayed 100–98 in the Titans' favor.
The clock ticked down. Thirty seconds left. The score was tied at 100 after Bayview clawed back on the previous trip. The Titans had the ball. Tyrese dribbled at the top, but this time he swung it to Khalil. Khalil looked at Eli, then stepped back behind the arc. Eli lunged, but Khalil rose and released. The ball dropped through the net. The Titans' bench exploded as they pulled ahead, 103–100. Bayview called timeout.
The timeout was tense. Both teams huddled, sweat dripping, lungs burning. Coaches barked instructions, drawing plays, pointing at matchups. Players leaned in, nodding, some silent, some restless. Every face was locked in. This was the moment.
When play resumed, Bayview inbounded at the Titans' half. Darius sprinted off a screen, creating just enough space. Daren held the ball, waiting. Everything slowed for Darius. He could hear his heartbeat. The noise of the crowd faded. His mind cleared. The ball left Daren's hands, floating toward him.
Flashback. During the timeout, Darius sat with his eyes closed. "Coach, I want to take the shot."
Everyone looked at him. Darius opened his eyes, steady, confident. "I'll make sure to make it."
He looked at Daren. Daren nodded. "I also think he can, coach."
The coach gave a small nod and returned to the plan.
Back on the court, the ball reached Darius. He caught it clean. Tyrese and Micah rushed at him, closing fast. But Darius didn't panic. He rose calmly, releasing the ball in rhythm.
Flashback. In the Titans' timeout, Tyrese leaned forward. "I think it'll be Daren who takes the shot."
Khalil frowned. "You sure?"
Tyrese nodded, eyes locked on Daren. He was certain. Khalil looked uneasy. That sounds too easy to be good, he thought.
As Darius rose for the shot, Tyrese's thoughts burned. Why isn't it Daren? It's always him. He always wants to be the one to beat me. He lives for it. He wants to prove he's better, every single time. That's who he is. So why isn't it him now? Why is it Darius? The thought twisted inside him, sharp with frustration and hate.
Darius released the ball. The buzzer sounded. The game was over, but the ball was still in the air. The gym held its breath. The ball spun, floated, and dropped through the net. Nothing but clean. The crowd erupted. Fans stormed the court, players leapt from the bench, arms raised. The noise was deafening. Bayview's players swarmed Darius, pulling him into the chaos. The Titans stood frozen, stunned. Tyrese's fists clenched. Khalil stared at the floor. Micah shook his head.
Final Score: Bayview 106 – Titans 103
Darius stood in the middle of it all, chest heaving, eyes wide. The shot had fallen. The game was theirs.
Bayview had won.