A split-second discrepancy between two game clocks that caused confusion at the end of Michigan State-Wisconsin basketball game Tuesday night was caused by a routine technological issue that happens in venues across the country, Wisconsin officials said Wednesday.
Wisconsin's Ryan Evans appeared to hit a desperation 3-pointer to send the game into double overtime, but the shot was disallowed on a replay review when officials ruled he released it after time expired. No. 10 Michigan State beat No. 18 Wisconsin 63-60 in overtime.
The clock on top of the backboard had run out, but there appeared to be a fraction of a second left on another clock located on a nearby LED-style electronic display.
''By rule we have to go by the clock that is on the backboard,'' referee Pat Driscoll said in comments distributed to the media after the game. ''I don't know why there would be different (times) — it could be satellite, electronic, whatever — but by rule we have to go by the clock that is attached to the backboard. In our review on the monitor, the clock clearly showed zeros while the ball remained in the Wisconsin player's hands.''
In a statement released Wednesday, Wisconsin officials said the backboard clock was working properly and is considered official. The backboard clock is linked directly to the scorer's table.
Citing information from Daktronics, the company that supplies LED displays and other equipment used at the Kohl Center and other venues, officials said it is normal to have a delay of 0.1 to 0.2 seconds when clock data is relayed from the scorer's table to equipment that generates the images on electronic scoreboards.
Officials said the delay ''is the standard in the industry and regularly occurs at venues around the country.''
