5 seconds closely guarded

[Mark Padgett]

If you really want to give the trailing team a break, make your counts in dog years.

[Freddy]

With the "absolutes" out top, many have done a great job with the impressing those heightened expectations upon the defense. And then, when the defense is doing what it's supposed to be doing and they aren't rewarded with the correct closely guarded call, any rationalization not to call it falls quite short, bordering on contrived manipulation of the game, IMO.

[Rich]

Besides, it's a freaking playoff game. Call the game, loser goes home, winner advances. Why change anything at all in this situation based on the scoreboard?

[Camron Rust]

Agree.

I'd have told him that I already gave her 7, how many more should I give her. I agree you can stretch it some (you did) but at some point, it becomes a farce and you have to just call it.

[JRutledge]

First of all your count should be consistent throughout the game and the season. I know I have a slow starting count, but once it starts I will finish it if it is appropriate. I do not care what the score is and if you see me do it the same all game you can have the team informed that is the case. Now one of the reason a team is down by 20 is because they cannot do things right including how to move on offense.

Peace

[sj]

While there are reasons of time, place and score where you might want to pass one reason for calling it is the kid playing defense is doing a good job and might be trying to work his way into more playing time. It might be his best play of the year.

[Terrapins Fan]

Great advice from everyone! Thanks. I love this community.