Thanks to Nango's explosive performance in the second half, Shohoku's morale soared. They scored continuously on both offense and defense, tying the game. Fujima had no choice but to call a timeout to think of a way to adjust Shoyo's strategy.
Observing from the sidelines, Maki mused, "Shoyo has no more cards to play. No matter how they adjust, it'll just be Fujima and the four tall players swapping positions. Their bench is practically empty. And their morale… it's been crushed by Nango's nonstop scoring. Meanwhile, Shohoku still has two starters on the bench and their spirits are high. This is really bad… Fujima, what will you do?"
Fujima, of course, knew exactly what he had to do. Since he couldn't devise a clever tactic, he could only focus all his energy on playing well in every possession. But Hanagata and the others sitting beside him were silent, panting, their minds blank. The team's morale was beginning to slip.
Fujima stood up and spoke coldly, "Snap out of it! The Kainan people are watching us!"
At the mention of their old rivals, everyone's attention sharpened. Fujima continued, slowly and firmly, "We will never retreat!"
Sakuragi didn't get many chances on offense in this game, and he muttered in frustration, "Damn Shoyo, they're guarding me too tightly…"
Nango looped his arm around Sakuragi's neck and laughed, "But you've grabbed twelve rebounds! Each one priceless. Every single one over four 1.9-meter tall players. That's incredible—there aren't many in the prefecture who could do that."
Sakuragi's frustration vanished instantly. "Really?"
"Of course, Senior Miyagi, isn't that right?" Nango asked Miyagi, who had a good rapport with Sakuragi.
"Huh?" Miyagi was caught off guard but quickly nodded, "Of course it's true, Sakuragi. You're doing great—keep it up!"
"Hahaha! Humph! These guys from Shoyo are nothing. I'm going to grab every rebound from now on!" Sakuragi grinned. Nango's encouragement had completely shifted his focus away from offense.
Having motivated Sakuragi, Nango turned to tease, "Senior Mitsui, Rukawa Kaede, still need a break?"
Mitsui smirked. "Nango, running out of stamina? Then watch me perform."
Rukawa Kaede removed the towel from his shoulder and stood, ready to get back in the game. Akagi watched quietly, observing the Problem Group's playful antics.
The timeout ended, and Shohoku returned to the court for a decisive battle against Shoyo.
Fujima, knowing the situation, prepared for a solo play. Only a solo effort could stabilize Shoyo's morale; otherwise, it would drop again.
Nango kept a close eye on him, reading his intentions. In Fujima's eyes, there was only Nango and the basket beyond.
Fujima moved without hesitation, accelerating to close the distance. Nango thought, He won't just go right; he'll try to fake me out.
As expected, Fujima slammed on the brakes, changed direction, and used a hop step to create space for his shot.
"It must go in!" Fujima released the ball, pouring all his hopes into it.
Nango reacted instantly. Pushing off with his feet, he lunged forward in a single step and leapt with all his might to swat the ball away. Fujima had improved his shot arc to make it harder to block, but Nango was ready.
"What?!" Fujima was stunned. He hadn't expected Nango to reach it. "Damn it! Get the ball!"
Mitsui and Hasegawa scrambled. Hasegawa, taller and longer-armed, touched the ball first but couldn't control it. The basketball bounced into the paint. Sakuragi quickly scooped it up and passed to Nango, sprinting toward the frontcourt. Shohoku transitioned from defense to offense.
Fujima blocked Nango's path, but Nango protected the ball, gathering strength, and slammed it hard onto the floor.
Rukawa Kaede, patiently waiting, caught the ball steadily. Fujima shouted to Takano and Nagano, retreating, "Quickly get back and defend! Don't let Shohoku take the lead!"
Takano and Nagano knew this possession was crucial. They guarded the paint, waiting for Rukawa Kaede to enter their trap.
Throughout the game, Sakuragi hadn't had many opportunities, and Rukawa Kaede's limited ball possession restricted him as well.
"Nagano, guard Rukawa Kaede. Sakuragi is mine!" Fujima instructed.
"Got it!" Nagano replied.
The two defenders spread out slightly, creating just enough space for Rukawa.
"Rukawa Kaede! Pass the ball!" Sakuragi shouted. He didn't want Rukawa to hog the glory alone.
Rukawa Kaede focused, observing the Shoyo defense. There was a gap in the middle. He stepped past the free-throw line and jumped.
"You first-year brat! Don't think we'll let you show off!"
"Do you think we'll give you an easy shot?!"
Takano and Nagano swung their arms, trying to limit his space. Rukawa protected the ball at his chest, dodging them expertly.
Takano's hand accidentally pushed against him, prompting the referee's whistle. Undeterred, Rukawa used all his strength and touch to release the ball.
"Bang!" It hit the front rim, bounced, and finally dropped into the net.
Rukawa Kaede looked across at Nango: I did it too.
Nango gave him a thumbs-up. Well done.
Sakuragi was furious—not only had Rukawa stolen the spotlight, but he did so with such calm.
"These two guys…" Sendo realized why both had improved so rapidly.
Kogure trembled with excitement. "Any team would have a headache facing them. With these two, we'll definitely make it to the Nationals!"
"That's right," another teammate added, "with these two monsters, Nationals are guaranteed!"
Coach Anzai chuckled quietly to himself, "No… it's three."
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