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ASA calls it a "run ahead" rule and mandates it for all national tournaments so maybe it does have something to do with time and keeping on schedule.
However, most people call it a "mercy rule" and it is as it's name implies - have mercy on the poor team getting it's butts whipped. Most youth sports and many high school sports (including basketball and football) have mercy rules to prevent the humiliation of an over-matched team getting drubbed. It also prevents injuries. When you are down by 30 points what prevents you from taking out the opponents star player going in for a layup. After all, what's another free throw?
I like it for competitive reasons. I would rather the players continue to play and run hard to get the to mercy limit and end the game, rather than having a coach hold his runner's back or create cheap outs.
WMB
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