Stopping Akashi Asuka's offense, this task was even harder.
Direct defense was nearly impossible. Akashi, unlike the other members of the "Generation of Miracles," never favored solo plays. Most of the time, he preferred teamwork to overcome obstacles.
In this situation, Midorima couldn't stop him one-on-one, and double-teaming or more would leave gaps in other areas. Trying to guard Akashi head-on? Practically impossible.
Even attempting to stop Akashi by defending the rest of Seiho's team wasn't simple.
Shutoku couldn't even meet the most basic requirement: they couldn't stop Akashi, and at the same time, they struggled to defend other players as well.
Throughout the first quarter, Seiho's offense had already formed a near-perfect pattern. Using midcourt as a base, their tactic was simple: pass the ball forward until it reached Akashi beyond the three-point line.
Yet this seemingly simple plan went uninterrupted repeatedly.
Because Seiho's fundamentals were rock solid.
Thanks to their special training, their passing, catching, and footwork were cleaner and more precise than most.
Now, it went even further.
Every time Seiho pushed forward, even when Shutoku defenders saw their moves, their reactions were always half a step behind.
"Let's open things up on offense first, use our new formation!"
Nakatani Jinryou, frowning in thought, finally issued the order.
The second quarter began.
Shutoku attacked first. This time, they didn't stop at midcourt, they boldly stepped into Seiho's half-court defense.
"Still not giving up, huh, first-year rookie?"
Kasuga Ryuhei moved to defend Takao Naruse, who just smiled.
"Senior, as expected of you. I admit defeat… but only for myself. I never thought Shutoku would lose just like that!"
WHOOSH!
As he spoke, Takao suddenly flicked the ball from behind, sending it to Midorima's hands from a blind spot.
Kasuga froze for a moment, then let out a resigned sigh.
"Hawk Eye… what a tricky skill!"
Midorima immediately launched the attack, driving toward Akashi's left side with no feints.
Akashi decisively followed, but just as he started, it was as if he hit an invisible barrier, forced to halt for a fraction of a second.
In that split second, Midorima found the open space and released a three-pointer.
SWISH!
43:42.
Akashi glanced at Midorima from afar, then at his side.
"Takao-senpai really trusts him… willing to even give up the paint?"
The obstacle blocking him was none other than Shutoku's captain and center, Otsubo Taisuke.
To create shooting space for Midorima, this top-tier national-level center sacrificed his own positioning to shield his teammate.
Such selflessness had been nearly impossible in Shutoku's past.
"Hmph! As long as we win, what does it matter? And helping juniors… isn't that what seniors are supposed to do? Iwamura probably thinks the same way."
Otsubo snorted.
Akashi didn't argue; indeed, whether in Seiho, Shutoku, or other "Generation of Miracles" teams, the seniors were unexpectedly reliable.
Shutoku strengthened their offense, but Seiho's advance remained largely unaffected. Soon, Akashi answered with a three-pointer of his own.
46:42.
Shutoku launched their second attack.
This time, passing frequency increased, and players constantly shifted positions.
"I see… a formation with Midorima at the core, while the other four provide rotating screens. Looks like this summer, it's not just us who changed!"
On the sidelines, Seiho coach Matsumoto Yukinori, sitting on the floor, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
This new formation seemed demanding for the four supporting players, but the real key was the primary attacker: Midorima.
Without perfect synergy between him and the four screens, the system wouldn't flow smoothly.
In other words:
Midorima, like Murasakibara Atsushi, had perfectly integrated into the team.
Even compared to Atsushi, Midorima's coordination with the team was deeper and more precise.
This rotating screen formation was a massive boost, allowing him to conserve energy on offense and defense, focusing almost entirely on shooting.
The three-point battle resumed.
One after another, shots flew like guided missiles into the hoop. Spectators and "Generation of Miracles" members alike began to feel overwhelmed.
Akashi and Midorima's seamless three-pointers were so smooth that many felt as if they were watching a game animation rather than a real match.
The sound of the ball brushing against defenders' hands filled the air, until suddenly…
CLANG!
A metallic sound echoed across the court.
In this tense silence, it was like a bell toll, jolting everyone awake.
"Missed it?"
"Who? Midorima or Akashi?"
"It's Akashi! His shot missed. Looks like Midorima edges ahead in this three-point duel!"
Shouts erupted. Spectators quickly realized it was Akashi who had misfired.
The score: 69:68.
Akashi and Midorima had each taken 22 three-point shots.
Midorima: 22 for 22.
Akashi: missed on the 22nd.
The clang not only shocked the audience, it alerted Tsutomu Iwamura and Otsubo Taisuke under the basket.
"Rebound!!!"
Both shouted. Simultaneously, they leaped for the ball.
Otsubo had the height advantage, but Iwamura had secured the better position in prior positioning. Knowing Akashi wasn't yet perfect, Iwamura remained vigilant.
Iwamura grabbed the rebound first and slammed it back into the hoop.
BOOM!
"Want to catch up to us? Not that easy, Shutoku!"