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John Calipari delivers questionable reasoning for late-game decision
By Paul Harvey
Published:
John Calipari was able to guide Arkansas to an SEC Tournament win over South Carolina on Wednesday, moving on to the next round with a 72-68 win. However, it was not without some drama.
The Razorbacks were in complete control of this one for a long time, building a 17-point lead at halftime, but they were unable to cruise to the finish line. South Carolina closed the gap all the way to 61-60 with 4 minutes left to play, but Arkansas delivered some clutch buckets and late free throws in the win.
One choice late in the game delivered a lot of attention. That came with 2 seconds left in the game and Johnell Davis at the free-throw line with a 3-point lead. Instead of trying to make the shot, Davis attempted to throw the ball off the rim.
However, he was unable to miss, draining the free throw off the backboard for the 72-68 lead, leaving many fans scratching their heads.
With just a 3-point lead, it seemed odd to many that the Razorbacks would do anything but try and make the shot for a 4-point cushion. Calipari was asked about the move after the game, and he did his best to explain it, even admitting he was happy Davis wound up making the shot.
“With 2 seconds to go, I said ‘Miss it and the best they can do is throw it deep.’ I’ve done that before,” said Calipari. “It’s kind of like being up 6 and fouling. More possessions.
“But the end result? What if they throw it in, threw it deep, bank in one and we lose? So I’m really happy he banked it in, that’s what I told him.”
That’s not the conventional way to end the game, but it worked out okay for Arkansas this time. The Razorbacks will move on to face Ole Miss at 1 pm ET on Thursday.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
