What if Hayward's Half Court Shot Would Have Went In At The Buzzer?

• mallymal614

  Would that have been the worse coaching decision in NCAA tournament history, for Duke to intentionally miss a free throw? With a make, you're up 3 and can be tied at worse. But missing gave Butler a chance to win and was about a inch away from doing so. I'm just wondering. Duke still won so it didn't hurt them, but if the shot would have went in, all hell would have broke loose on Coach K. This has been discussed on numerous sports shows today.
• ohiotiger33

  

  No. You always coach to miss that free throw, as the chance that they will be able to run a set play out of a timeout and get a three is much greater than the chance that they get a miracle half-court shot to go in.
  
  That was proven last night, when despite getting off a great look half-court shot, it still didn't fall. Your odds of winning missing the free-throw is much much higher.
• mallymal614

  Wasn't Butler out of timeouts though? I could be wrong, cause I don't remember. If they were, they wouldn't have been able to setup a play.
• Wooball

  

  yes, they were out of timeouts, but they would have been able to take the ball out of bounds and potentially hit a pass to someone with momentum going toward the hoop, or even hitting them at half court. Both scenarios would have resulted in a better look than the rushed half courter they got off last night. And without Howard's crack back block on Singler, Hayward's heave would have been contested.
• mallymal614

  Now I can see if Duke was only up one because it wouldn't have matter because a 3 ball beats you regardless whether you're up 1 or 2. But the fact they had a chance to secure not to lose in regulation and instead took the chance to get beat is head scratching. But I do see where you guys are coming from. Me personally I wouldn't have took that chance. But maybe that's why I'm posting on Ohio Chatter and not coaching on any sidelines lol.
• ohiotiger33

  

  Oh you are right about the timeouts. But still, you have a much better shot of winning with the opposing team trying to rebound and get off a half-court shot.
• Lovejoy1984

  

  Zoubek was a 55% shooter, he was probably going to miss the shot regardless.
• devil1197

  Hayward would have gotten laid by about every Butler chick in the building, hot or not.
  
  Also, Howard was set on the pick but it was close. It wasn't his fault that Singler was running full speed without looking down the court. That is Singler and his teammates fault for not paying attention and calling out the pick.
• I drain 3's

  If they would have made the shot, then Butler would be the National Champions. Pretty simple answer to a simple question.
• stlouiedipalma

  While I agree with the decision to intentionally miss the free throw, I am a bit puzzled as to why the Duke players weren't prepared for the ensuing scramble for the ball and the frantic finish. I would have thought that Coach K would have something drawn up to prevent a clear dribble to get into position for that shot.
• friendfromlowry

  Forget who said it on Sportscenter this morning, but it would have been one of the top five sports moments of all time...and I agree. A half-court game winner in the national championship to put the underdog over the top dog...Hell, maybe THE greatest sports moment. Butler played a hell of a tournament and Hayward made a name for himself...but I think he'll be seeing that shot rim out in his nightmares for a long, long time.
• cologino

  always take the points...make it if you can
• Prescott

  If he makes the free throw (3) things have to happen in order for Butler to tie the game. If he misses the free throw (1) thing has to happen for Butler to win the game. I thought it was a curious decision.
• ZeroCool

  great decision because butler didnt have any timeouts. if duke makes it, it gives butler a chance to hit somebody on the fly with a long pass and shoot. if butler would have had a timeout , i think you would have seen an attempt to make it. jmo.
• queencitybuckeye

  It's either a good call or a bad one regardless of outcome. The coach doesn't get the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, so to judge it on that basis isn't very honest. Personally, I thought there was too much time to play the miss, but I'm not a rodent-looking guy with a bunch of titles.
• jordo212000

  

  I still think you try to make it. If you make the free throw, you can't lose in regulation. If you miss Heyward can throw up a prayer and it can beat you
• Footwedge

  I think making the shot was the right decision. Then you foul Butler while they dribble over half court. Butler beat Michigan State by doing it the right way.
• Laley23

  

  It was retarded. Why the fuck do you chance a loss? Just dumbfounding.