When the scoreboard read 67-46 with 11 minutes and 18 seconds left, the outcome of Saturday night’s high school boys basketball game between New Glarus and Platteville appeared settled — at least according to the math.

Coaches often rely on a blunt but practical rule of thumb late in games: a lead of roughly two points per remaining minute is close to insurmountable. With just over 11 minutes left in a 36-minute game, Platteville’s 21-point advantage fit that guideline almost perfectly. At that moment, most benches would be preparing for substitutions, and most fans would be bracing for a long final stretch.