Chapter 29: Practice Game Part III
As the buzzer signaled the end of halftime, Aria rejoined her teammates on the court. As Aria walked on to the court, Yuan noticed her teammate's subdued demeanor. Sensing that Aria might be struggling to regain her focus, Yuan decided to step in and offer some encouragement.
Yuan raised her arm and rested over Aria's shoulder. "Don't mind lang, magsesecond half pa. Makakahabol pa tayo," Yuan said with a comforting smile.
Aria glanced at Yuan, "Thanks, Yuan," Aria replied with a nod. Aria took a deep breath, letting go of the frustrations from the first half and refocusing on the game ahead.
As the second half began, Aria's demeanor shifted noticeably.
Nabi, noticing Aria's regained focus, trusted her with the ball. With a quick pass, Nabi sent the ball to Aria, who was positioned just outside the perimeter. Aria caught the ball and, without hesitation, took the open shot. The ball soared through the air, swishing cleanly through the net.
'Finally...! Bumalik na pitik ko,' Aria thought, her confidence soaring with each successful play. With her rhythm restored, she played with an intensity that elevated the entire team.
Nabi passed the ball again to Aria and Aria drove the ball down the court, scanning for openings. She spotted Yuan cutting towards the basket and delivered a precise pass through a gap in the defense. Yuan caught it and made an easy layup, adding to their growing score.
On the next possession, Nabi orchestrated a pick-and-roll with Aria. As the defense collapsed on her, she dished the ball to Aria, who sank a mid-range jumper. The scoreboard reflected their efforts: 60-54, 60 for Tamara's team while 54 for Aria's, narrowing the gap.
"Hahhh.. kaya di ko gusto maging kalaban ka Nabi, ang galing mo magdala ng bola," Tamara admitted as Nabi passed through.
Nabi flashed a smile. "Small but terrible ika nga,"
Their defense tightened, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Aria and Nabi's combo quick passes as well as court vision created numerous scoring opportunities.
Tamara's team struggled to respond.
Each successful play fueled the team's confidence, and the deficit quickly turned into a lead. By the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard read 60-66, with Aria's team now ahead by four points.
As the fourth quarter began, Tamara's team adjusted their strategy, finding ways to counter Aria's team's momentum. Their defense tightened, and they managed to close the lead through quick, well-executed plays and sharp shooting.
With one minute remaining, the scoreboard read 78-80, with Aria's team clinging to a narrow lead. The tension was high as both teams fought for every point.
Nabi dribbled up the court, her eyes scanning for an opening.
"Aria!" Nabi shouted as she faked a pass to Aria, causing the defense to shift.
Instead, she threaded a quick pass to their center, Mea, who was cutting towards the basket. Mei caught the ball in stride and laid it up, the ball kissing off the backboard and into the net. The score now changed to 78-82.
Tamara's team responded quickly, determined to close the gap. They moved the ball up the court with urgency. Sammer, finding herself open on the side, received a quick pass. She set her feet and launched a three-point shot. The ball arced perfectly and swished roughly through the net. The score tightened to 81-82.
With the pressure mounting and only seconds remaining, Aria's team had to stay composed. Nabi scanned the court, her eyes darting between her teammates. It was a man-to-man defense, and she had a hard time finding an open player to pass to.
Finally, she spotted Aria making a cut towards the basket and passed the ball to her.
Aria caught the ball and went up for a layup, but just as she released the ball, Sammer collided with her, fouling her hard. The ball bounced off the rim and out.
"ughhh..." Aria landed awkwardly, wincing in pain as she hit the floor.
Prrrrt prrrrtt!!
The referee's whistle blew sharply, signaling the foul. Aria's and Tamara's teammates quickly surrounded her, concern etched on their faces. Sammer, feeling guilty, extended a hand to help Aria up.
"Sorry, Aria," Sammer said sincerely. "Nalakasan ko ang talon ko."
Aria winced but took Sammer's hand, appreciating the gesture. "Okay lang, Sammer. I know di mo sinadya."
Seeing what happened, Orion and Rico immediately stood up from the bench and ran towards Aria, their face filled with worry. They reached her just as she was getting to her feet with Sammer's help.
"Aria, okay ka lang?" Orion asked, his voice full of concern.
"Yeah, okay lang. Just a bit shaken." Aria gave him a reassuring smile, though the pain was evident in her eyes.
"Aria, kailangan mo na pumunta sa clinic," Rico chimed in.
"It's okay, it's okay," Aria repeated softly, trying to downplay the discomfort.
Noticing her limping right leg, Orion placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. Knowing Aria well, he understood her determination to finish the game.
"Kaya pa?" Orion asked gently, his eyes filled with concern.
Aria nodded firmly, gently removing Orion's hand. "Kaya pa, Orion. Tapusin ko lang ang laro."
Rico stepped closer, his worry etched on his face. "Aria, kailangan natin i-check kung okay ka," he insisted, his voice tinged with concern and urgency.
Aria hesitated for a moment, torn between her determination to play and her teammates' concern. "Ayoko pa, Rico," she replied softly, shaking her head. "Tapusin ko lang sana."
Aria made her way to the free-throw line, the gym buzzing with tension while Orion and Rico went back to their seat.
"...Orion?" Orion mumbled as he looked at Aria, slightly confused that Aria didn't call him 'kuya'. However, Aria seemed focused on the game and didn't notice the slip.
Aria took a deep breath, trying to block out any distractions and focusing solely on the basket.
'81-82, leading kami isa but dapat mashoot ko 'tong 2 free throws,' Aria thought as she dribbled the ball in place. The pressure was immense, but she steadied herself for the first shot.
As she released the ball, Aria felt a twinge of pain shoot up her leg, throwing off her aim. The first shot bounced off the rim.
'Ahhh...! Sayang! Focus Aria, focus!' Aria winced but quickly regained her composure.
She took another deep breath, blocking out the discomfort. With unwavering concentration, she dribbled the ball again, focusing solely on the basket.
Her second shot left her hand smoothly, arcing towards the hoop. This time, the ball swished through the net, bringing the score to 81-83 in favor of Aria's team.
"Time out muna coach," Tamara quickly called out.
Meanwhile, Aria's team took the opportunity to make a substitution. Nabi gestured towards the bench, signaling for a change. Aria, catching the signal, initially protested, reluctant to leave the court.
"Ilang segundo nalang man, Ate Nabi, bago matapos ang laro, please," Aria said urgently, feeling the pressure of the game's final moments.
Nabi looked at Aria with a firm expression, understanding her teammate's desire to stay in the game but also knowing the importance of strategic decisions.
"Aria, kailangan mo na magpahinga. Tingnan mo ang legs mo oh. Trust the team," Nabi replied firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Aria sighed, frustrated but ultimately trusting Nabi's judgment. She nodded reluctantly and made her way to the bench, keeping her eyes on the court as her replacement took her position.
The game resumed with Tamara's team inbounded the ball, and Aria watched intently.
"Pagkatapos ng laro, I'm taking you straight to the clinic, okay?" Orion said, his concern evident in his eyes.
Aria glanced at him, grateful for his care. She nodded slightly, a small smile crossing her lips despite the tension of the game.
"Okay.." Aria replied softly, focusing back on the game unfolding before her.
Orion nodded back, "Just hang in there a bit longer."
Together, they turned their attention back to the court, where every second counted towards securing the hard-earned victory for Aria's team.
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