Throwing in the Towel

[skyvue]

I didn't get to see the second half of the WV game until late this evening, and I have to say, I was really surprised, with his team trailing by ten, to see Huggins have his guys just give up. Why not foul and see if we miss a few FTs?

A very odd choice, seemed to me, and had I been a WV fan watching the game, I'd have been very upset.

 

[MsProudSooner]

I didn't get to see the second half of the WV game until late this evening, and I have to say, I was really surprised, with his team trailing by ten, to see Huggins have his guys just give up. Why not foul and see if we miss a few FTs?

A very odd choice, seemed to me, and had I been a WV fan watching the game, I'd have been very upset.

I was surprised, too. They hadn't scored in the last 3 or 4 minutes of the game so I guess Huggins just thought it would only delay the inevitable.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

I guess I see this a bit differently.

The shot clock was off, so there was less than 35 seconds left. There was no chance to win with a 10 point deficit and so little time. WVU also had no timeouts left. OU was 9-of-11 and seemed destined to hit their free throws on this day.

No matter the true reason, Coach Huggins was being merciful to his hometown fans. Why extend the agony in that situation? It might have been a good "situational practice" session for the team, but it would not have been any fun for the fans.

If I was a WVU fan, there would be many other issues that might upset me much more than this failure to generate a bunch of extra futile free throws.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

On a somewhat different subject ... I remember Huggins being MUCH MORE emotional and demonstrative on the sidelines in prior years. Compared to the past, he almost seems genteel.

 

[ousooners1baby]

Did the first game we played against them go like that. Seems like I thot they pulled off a little early then also.

 

[skyvue]

I guess I see this a bit differently.

The shot clock was off, so there was less than 35 seconds left. There was no chance to win with a 10 point deficit and so little time.

Mathematically speaking, there was plenty of time. Quick foul, missed free throw, quick three pointer. Times four.

Admittedly it's a very long shot, but I'd want my team at least fighting till the end. Pledger missed his shots from deep all night, too -- until he hit a couple.

If OU makes the first few free throws and it's a 12- or 14-point game with 20 seconds left, then okay. But what the heck, while it's still possible, go for it -- more miraculous comebacks have happened in history.

 

[playmakr]

Mathematically speaking, there was plenty of time. Quick foul, missed free throw, quick three pointer. Times four.

Admittedly it's a very long shot, but I'd want my team at least fighting till the end. Pledger missed his shots from deep all night, too -- until he hit a couple.

If OU makes the first few free throws and it's a 12- or 14-point game with 20 seconds left, then okay. But what the heck, while it's still possible, go for it -- more miraculous comebacks have happened in history.

I should also be noted that Hornbeak was the PG at that time. Now I like Je'lon and think he has to be on the floor for our best 5 to be out there, but a freshmen who is more of a combo guard handling pressure/traps can leave any scenario open.

But, in general, I can see it both ways.

 

[SoonerTraveler]

Play hard and fight to the end. That is the best policy. Miracles do happen. That is the hope and prayer. I cannot argue against it.

However, at some point a game is over. When is that point reached? That is a judgment call. Personally, I have no problem with the judgment of Coach Huggins in this case.