Volume 5

Hanamichi's 'Huh Huh Huh defense' manages to block off Uozumi's attack. Ryonan team are surprised at the speed and ability of Hanamichi. Moichi isn't convinced and keeps saying that Hanamichi is only a rookie which cannot affect the outcome of the game. However Moichi soon eats his words for his perception is flawed. With Akagi being off the team, Rukawa is the only person capable of scoring. So Ryonan's defense is tight around Rukawa. But Hanamichi doesn't pass to him and passes the ball to Kogure (3rd year wearing glasses). Without anyone to guard him, Kogure shoots in 3 points. Moichi keeps thinking that Hanamichi will pass to Rukawa, but every time he ends up passing to Kogure. The gap in the score closes. Then another problem arises. The offensive rebounds, not every shot taken by Shohoku is successful. Additionally Ryonan has Uozumi (202 cm) and Sendoh (190cm), which means that Shohoku is at a disadvantage. On the off shot one of the rebounds is gained by Shohoku due to Hanamichi's incredible jumping ability. However Uozumi uses 'screen out' technique to stop Hanamichi from getting any more rebounds. Sadly the gap in the score is widening. At that moment, Akagi returns. Rukawa is subbed off to allow him to regain his breath, Akagi takes his place. He shouts at Hanamichi for such a bad show of getting the rebounds. Hanamichi begins to remember how Akagi has specially trained him to deal with getting rebounds. No sooner another missed shot occurs; with the knowledge this time round, Hanamichi manages to reverse the roles, and block Uozumi from stealing the rebound. Slowly, with Akagi's support, Shohoku starts to gain closer to Ryonan. A sudden turn of events, Kogure shoots in 3 points bringing Shohoku into the lead 77 to 76. At that moment, Sendoh's attitude changes completely, he is going to use 100% concentration. (Sendoh has only being playing leisurely up till now, but when the score is unfavorable he will use his full ability to turn the score around). Hanamichi is to mark Sendoh, but the new Sendoh is more than a match for Hanamichi and in a split moment surges by and scores. Akagi recalls the horror of Sendoh when he is motivated. Hanamichi tries to stop Snedoh again with unbelievable surge of speed, alas it is to no avail. Rukawa having rested is subbed in place of Kogure. Anzai wants to talk to Hanamichi and Rukawa about the new strategy against Sendoh. It requires Hanamichi and Rukawa to both guard against Sendoh. Obviously both protest, but soon end up cooperating. Sendoh is really motivated at this new challenge. Shohoku's chance of winning depends on Hanamichi's and Rukawa's ability to stop Sendoh from scoring. A lapse on Hanamichi's part gives chance for Sendoh to pass to Uozumi who scores. The score now is 85 to 81 against Shohoku.