The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
Team A is trailing by three points with 0:00.3 seconds on the clock in a state tournament game. Following a timeout, A-1 passes the ball to A-2 behind the three point line. A-2 catches the ball and in one quick motion attempts to launch a desperation three point try. As A-2 is doing this, B-2 crashes into A-2 causing the attempt to miss. The officials award A-2 three free throws.
Were the officials correct?
The officials were NOT correct. By rule a player may not catch the ball and execute a try for goal with three-tenths of a second or less on the clock. Since A-2 could not execute a try for goal, the penalty for the foul cannot be three free throws. If Team A is in the bonus, A-2 is entitled to bonus free throw(s). However, since time has expired and the free throws will not alter the outcome of the game, no free throws will be attempted.
BTW in this game, A-2 made all three free throws and sent the game into overtime. Team A won in overtime.
(References: Rule 5-2-5, 5-6 Exception 3)
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Very Good Play. We as Officials need to get this Play correct. Thanks.