Hanamichi is subbed back into the game and already he is being shouted down by the crowd for being naive (saying that he will defeat Sannoh). Akagi lumps Hanamichi off the table and apologizes to the referee. Hanamichi on the other hand says that they now have to keep their word. The reason for giving up is the difference in score being too great, but to Hanamichi this thought doesn't work. Ryota passes the ball to Rukawa, and yet Rukawa cannot get passed Eiji. In haste Rukawa shoots, and misses. Hanamichi uses the trick of pulling at his opponents shirt to distract him enough for Hanamichi to jump up and snatch the ball. Upon stealing the ball, Hanamichi manages to score the first 2 points for Shohoku in the second half. Ryota also livens up and tries to rally his team, he shoots and Hanamichi once again manages to trick Masahiro and score. Score now 60 to 40. However the main point of the Shohoku team is Akagi, and yet Akagi is still afraid of Masafumi. In an attempt to get to score, Akagi spins around and shoots. The ball misses, but Hanamichi is ready, and using his incredible jumping ability, recovers the ball. Everyone is stunned, for the retrieval of the ball was done fast and with great height. Masafumi is interested in Hanamichi's potential and goes to mark him. Hanamichi passes to Akagi who isn't marked, but Akagi blacks out as he tries to slam dunk. Uozumi has since moved to the court and is peeling a vegetable on Akagi's head. Akagi wakes up and sees Uozumi, Uozumi says Masafumi's skill is graceful like a fish, whilst Akagi is a different type of fish, a flat fish which hides in the sand. Anzai sensei thanks Uozumi for advising Akagi, Akagi isn't able to defeat Masafumi, but there are still players in the team who are capable of scoring. Akagi's task is to help them score. Akagi understands this and Mitsui though tired is not going to give up. Akagi defends the basket from a Sannoh assault, and with Hanamichi they both manage to foil it. Akagi goes onto help Mitsui block off his opponent and shoot. 3 points making the score 43 to 60. Fukatsu doesn't lapse and shoots 3 points in bringing back the 20 point lead. Mitsui goes to Ryota to ask him to base the center of attack on Mitsui. With Akagi's help Mitsui is able to shoot 3 pointers with nobody to interfering. Marking Mitsui is Minoru Matsumoto and upon seeing Mitsui's tired face, he begins to wonder how long can he hold on. It turns out that Mitsui is able to shoot the shots and no worry because Hanamichi is always able to get the rebound if it misses. A pass by Fukatsu is intercepted by Mitsui, and Ryota goes to catch it. Fukatsu ends up fouling Ryota to stop him, the referee blows Fukatsu as 'intention foul'. This means that Ryota gets 2 free throws and the possession of the ball goes to Shohoku. Hanamichi's support enables Ryota to get both shots in. Masafumi isn't going to always fall for the same tactic and goes to stop Mitsui, but the ball ends up in Akagi's hands who slams in the ball. The score 53 to 63. Doumoto realizes the reason for Shohoku's comeback and asks Masafumi to mark Hanamichi. Masafumi marking Hanamichi stuns everyone, Masafumi is possibly the best center in Japan, and he is sent to mark Hanamichi. Hanamichi is thrilled at the challenge and says that Masafumi is not match for him. A rebound occurs and Hanamichi with Masafumi both leap up to get the ball. Masafumi manages to get the ball and also knock Hanamichi aside. Masafumi won the ball, and is already running to attack. Eiji receives the pass, and Rukawa is guarding. But Eiji throws the ball up to Masafumi for a 'Mid Air Slam'. At that moment Hanamichi appears to knock the ball out hence stopping Masafumi.