I Died on the Court, Now I'm Back to Rule It

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.