[BoomerSooner]

In theory, by shooting first no team really gains any advantage during normal game action. But with 30 seconds in to go in a close game, knowing whether the FT's are made or missed could greatly affect a coach's strategy. It also prevents a coach from "icing the shooter". Also delaying the TO could give the requesting coach time to realize he doesn't have anymore TO's, at which point he tells the ref not to grant it (of course that is up to the ref whether or not to accept the request, but if I had already delayed it I would feel inclined not to grant it if asked). There are just a number of things not granting the TO can cause to happen or not happen.