In Reply to: Rutgers vs UCLA Preview posted by mh on March 12, 2026 at 08:56:29
With an 8-point lead, Ohio State started taking time off the clock with around 5 minutes left in the game. As a result, they got a series of bad shots and let Iowa back into the game. The Buckeyes held on to win, but when they stopped emphasizing scoring, they lost all their momentum.
I have seen other teams do this. We have done it several times this season.
Not only does it not seem to work at locking up games, but I hate the idea of playing not to lose, rather than playing to win.
It makes sense to not take too early a shot late in a game with a lead, but making every shot late in the shot clock hurts you.