I’m a numbers guy. I love looking at the stat comparisons before the games.
In addition to helping me pass the time and sooth my anticipation, I love trying to predict what is going to determine the ending of a game.
A margin of less than four separated Kentucky and Mississippi State in 16 of 17 major statistical categories going into Tuesday’s marquee match-up. What was the only category with a significant separation? Free throw percentage (UK 72.1, MSU 64.7).
Missing two front ends of one-and-ones in a row left the game up to one rule, one lob, one deflection, one shot and one deafening silence.
Less than three seconds separated heartache from jubilation in an epic artistically performed on a hardwood stage with drama, passion and that ever-so-cruel irony.
The drama and passion were more glaring than any “reality TV” show. As for the irony, I have heard Dickie V criticize the alternating possession arrow a thousand times during broadcasts.
After the game, I got the opportunity to ask one of the most significant college basketball minds about the rule he hates so much.
It was Deja Vu, baby.
After the game I had to check up on the rule. I’ll save you the trouble of getting an NCAA Rules and Interpretations book …
Rule four, section two, addresses the alternating possession arrow, but it does not designate a location for the throw-in.
Rule four, section 50, addresses the spot of the throw-in for point of interruption after flagrant fouls, technical fouls, correctable errors or events beyond control of the officials, but no alternating possession arrows.
Finally I discover rule seven, section five, article 19c. It reads: “With the use of the alternating-possession arrow when there was no team control before the whistle. The ball shall be awarded at a spot nearest to where the ball was located when the whistle was blown.”
Birmingham-Southern College athletic director and MSU alum Joe Dean, Jr. broadcasts for Jefferson Pilot Sports and is serving his first year on the NCAA’s Basketball Rules Committee.
Dean, who caught Tuesday’s game, said the alternating possession arrow originated because referees were having difficulty with tossing the ball straight.
“In the course of the game the possessions balance out (with the alternating arrow),” Dean said.
I told him that I agree that the intent of the rule is fairness, especially if toss problems were that frequent. However, because the ball is currently spotted near the tie-up, a team can gain a distinct advantage if the ball gets spotted near the offensive side’s goal. Why not inbound the ball from a consistent spot?
I suggest inbounding the ball at midcourt after every jump ball to establish consistency and equality for both teams every time.
Dean likes the sound of this and and said he will make that suggestion when the Rules Committee meets following this basketball season.
According to Dean, the Rules Committee sends surveys to coaches to test the waters on potential rules changes to get a petition signed and sent to the Rules Committee.
The Bulldogs are 13-1. Now what?
Two of the toughest road games lurk.
LSU and and Florida are atop the divisions. Each game could play a significant part in defining this season.
The next two games will reveal what this team is capable of accomplishing. The players, coaches, fans and rest of the conference will learn from the way the Dawgs respond to an agonizing first loss of the season.
What made the 2001-02 MSU team champions was the way they responded after a loss.
After blowing a double-digit lead at LSU that season, State rallied for nine straight wins, cut the Georgia Dome nets down and got a first round win in the NCAA Tournament.
Craig Peters can be reached at rcp6.msstate.edu or [email protected].