Score: Horizon 45 – Toyonaka 45
Start of 3rd Quarter
The gym trembled with thunderous energy. Both cheering sections roared louder than before—chants, banners, even the war drums pounded with every bounce of the ball.
Coach Tsugawa stood in front of us, eyes steady, voice low but firm.
"The third quarter decides everything. This is when tired bodies turn to instincts. And the smarter team wins."
He looked each of us in the eye.
"Play with grit. Play with pride."
We nodded. No more words were needed.
This wasn't a game anymore. This was war.
I brought the ball up, calling for a stacked screen. Aizawa flared to the top, but Toyonaka switched the coverage like clockwork. No openings. No hesitation.
Rikuya fought his way into the post, muscling against Haruto Senda. He sealed deep—so I lobbed it in.
Rikuya turned, ready to punish.
But Haruto met him in the air like a brick wall.
Smack.
Clean block.
The gym shook with screams.
