One month six days ago, I watched my St. Louis Rams come within three points of Carolina and then drive to the Panthers' 15-yard line. With enough time left for at least two shots at the end zone, Rams coach Mike Martz elected to let the clock run down, kick a field goal and go into overtime. The Rams then lost.
Saturday night, I watched ASU men's basketball pull what I now like to call a "Mike Martz." ASU came back to tie USC at 74 and, with 28 seconds left in the game, the Devils elected to run the clock out and take on USC in overtime. Coach Rob Evans seemed happy going into overtime.
ASU star Ike Diogu had four fouls at the time. He fouled out in OT, and the Devils lost.
Teams don't come back from major deficits by playing timidly, and they shouldn't give up their momentum once the score is tied. No matter the sport, a comeback is useless without a win.
Martz learned this watching the Super Bowl from his couch. Evans will learn it watching the Pac-10 Tournament on his.
