Lost art of FT shooting

In the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup, seven of 12 teams are shooting less than 70 percent from the free throw line.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

Magnolia leads the league at 77.5 percent, meaning no team is hitting at least 80 percent. In the NBA this past regular season, all 30 teams shot at least 70 percent and four at least 80. Oklahoma City topped the standings at 81.3 percent and it's no surprise as shooting doctor Chip Engelland is in the coaching staff.

Free throw shooting can make the difference between winning or losing. Take Meralco's 105-104 win over NorthPort last May 9. The Batang Pier missed 18 free throws, shooting 45.5 percent, and lost by a single point. If NorthPort shot even 50 percent from the stripe, the Bolts would've lost. In the UAAP eliminations last season, no team hit at least 70 percent. Champion UP shot 60.7 percent and runner-up La Salle, 62.9. In the title-clinching Game 3 of the Finals, the Archers missed 16 free throws and lost by four.