5 seconds closely guarded

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

Maybe I'm far too legalistic, but last night in a playoff game the home team was winning by 20 in the fourth quarter, probably about 3 1/2 minutes to go, I call a five-second closely guarded count against the visitors who had the ball.

My partner came to me and said Slow the countdown we don't need that, I have no doubt that I started my account a second late and that I got to 6 before I called the five-second closely guarded giving her seven seconds and she wasn't giving up the ball. In a game where the visitors are down by 20 would you not call five seconds closely guarded? Would you not call three seconds in the lane against the visitors?

Even after 17 years, I still think the rules are the rules. And why do the hand gestures of the count if you're not going to call it?

1) I am arriving late to the party.

2) I favor Closely Guarded when three feet of the Ball Handler and while the Ball Handler is Holding the Ball only.

3) When the game is a "blow out" I favor being lenient in favor of the team that is getting its "clock cleaned".

MTD, Sr.