BEEP~~~
The first quarter ended with a score of 26:20.
Kaijo's Dual Point Guard Strategy proved far more effective than expected. Even though Akashi Asuka's defensive coverage spanned the entire three-point area, the coordination between Kise Ryouta and Yukio Kasamatsu made it feel as if their power had nowhere to be fully unleashed.
"The core of this dual point guard tactic lies in Kaijo's Kise and Kasamatsu…"
In Seiho's bench area, Matsumoto Yukinori held his tactical board, explaining to the team:
Kise Ryouta perfectly imitates Yukio Kasamatsu's style of play, effectively creating a second point guard identical to Kasamatsu.
"With the two point guards working in tandem, Kaijo's passing and offensive routes gain over a dozen variations instantly."
"In a sense, Kaijo now has a 'phantom sixth man' similar to Jou Rin's system. But it's even more dangerous because both Kise and Kasamatsu are exceptional scorers themselves."
Matsumoto Yukinori's explanation of the dual point guard tactic was simple because, after the first quarter, Seiho's main players could already see the effect.
In reality, Kaijo's implementation of this tactic was even more complex than Matsumoto described.
Simply put: Kaijo's dual point guard tactic wasn't just about having two point guards on the court at the same time.
Since Kise could perfectly imitate Kasamatsu's skills and style, it was more like having a pair of telepathic twin point guards on the floor.
Under such circumstances, the coordination between Kise and Kasamatsu reached an astonishing level.
For example: If Kasamatsu spotted a gap in Seiho's defense while directing from the back, but no passing lane existed from his position, he could simply pass the ball to Kise. Without even speaking, Kise would send the ball exactly where Kasamatsu wanted.
The reverse was true as well.
No defense is flawless; even tight man-to-man coverage can only guard one direction at a time.
With Kaijo's "bending passes," Seiho's defense inevitably developed gaps.
And not only that:
Both Kasamatsu and Kise had strong scoring ability. Once they coordinated, the whole team could be maneuvered freely, even limiting Akashi's defensive coverage across the three-point line.
As Kise had said earlier, the main advantage of this dual point guard tactic wasn't sheer offense or defense, it was to bypass Akashi and create openings elsewhere.
"But there's no need to get too nervous. After all, we still have the upper hand…"
At that moment, Matsumoto Yukinori spoke again.
Even though Kaijo's dual guards bypassed Akashi and tore openings elsewhere in Seiho's defense, Kaijo still hadn't found a way to stop Akashi's new fadeaway three-pointer.
Three points versus two.
Even with Kaijo's strong offense, the score gradually widened in Seiho's favor…
"If Kaijo intends to avoid Akashi, then we'll play into their hands. For the next quarter, let's return to our original formation."
"Understood, coach!"
Tsutomu Iwamura and Kasuga Ryuhei responded instantly, their eyes gleaming.
·····
The second quarter began.
Right from the start, Kaijo sensed something was off. On the surface, Seiho's formation looked unchanged.
But a closer look revealed the team's core had quietly shifted position.
The original formation?
Before Akashi joined Seiho, the team's tactics were built around a more traditional structure. Once Akashi arrived and demonstrated his strength, the tactical core gradually became "one main, four supports."
Before that, Seiho's pillars had always been Kasuga Ryuhei and Tsutomu Iwamura, forming the backbone along the inner and outer lines.
"We really were underestimated!"
Kasamatsu murmured, facing Kasuga Ryuhei.
For Seiho, it was expected that Kaijo would focus on Akashi. With his current level, it would be abnormal not to be targeted.
What surprised them was that Kaijo seemingly ignored the other four Seiho players. The dual point guard tactic aimed to bypass Akashi, meaning Kaijo believed scoring from the remaining four players was easier.
Well… the other four of Seiho had to admit this was true. Compared to Akashi, they were mere mortals.
But being underestimated like this… it was infuriating!
Kasamatsu sensed something amiss but couldn't pinpoint it. He raised his guard internally while maintaining a calm expression.
"So… you finally want a one-on-one duel, Kasuga?"
A simple, childish provocation. Kasamatsu didn't expect anyone to fall for it.
Yet, to his surprise, Kasuga nodded.
"Yeah! After being treated like that, if I didn't respond at all, I'd have no presence on the court, right?"
SWOOSH!
At the last word, Kasuga snatched the ball.
The steal was sudden, but Kasamatsu reacted immediately.
What happened next, however, left Kasamatsu stunned. Even though he had protected the ball, Kasuga's hand still touched it.
It was as if Kasuga had predicted his every move…
SLAP!
With a crisp smack, the ball shot out from under Kasamatsu.
"No!"
"Impossible!"
Kasamatsu's face turned pale. He spun to chase the ball, but before he could reach it, a figure had already beaten him, scooping it up and charging toward Kaijo's side…