Comments on: End Of Game Strategy Thoughts - SEC Final - Kentucky vs. Miss St.

By: Bill Simmons

Bill Simmons — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:00:17 +0000

Coach K was interviewed on Mike & Mike. He said that the decision was based on two factors, as Don said, the helter-skelter of a missed foul shot put Butler in a position of relying on a “hail Mary” half-court shot. He also said that, because of foul problems and the tone of the game, that Duke would lose it in overtime. It was now or never- so he called for the miss. I don’t know if I agree but it worked.

By: Don Kelbick

Don Kelbick — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:48:56 +0000

It is simple. If he makes the foul shot, the clock does not start until the ball is touched inbounds. Teams (good teams, anyway) have last second plays that are run from from made baskets without a time out.

Missing the foul shot forces the defensive to fight for the rebound as the clock starts as soon as the ball is touched. It prevented Butler from running its end of game play and forced them to scramble.

By: Sean

Sean — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:01:48 +0000

“I do not deal with conjecture or play the result.”

Okay, I understand where you’re coming from Coach K. But, can you help me understand the end of the Championship game (i.e. Duke vs. Butler)?

A sports columnist wrote that Duke’s Doubek missed the second of his two free throws on purpose, with just seconds left on the clock.

I realize that Butler had no time outs left, but I guess I don’t understand; if Zoubek had scored then even if Hayward’s long 3 attempt had gone in, it would have been a tie game. If Zoubek’s second free throw doesn’t go in and Hayward scores, Butler wins.

Do you understand my confusion? Thanks for your time.