Up 17 with just under 7 min to go. Should be a simple case of finishing the game off, except my team then gives up 12 free throws to finish the game. Naturally, the game then goes in to overtime, where my team collapses in spectacular fashion.

Is there any way to avoid this? Seems like the match engine should have a bit more logic in preserving leads late in the game.

I think there were multiple factors that came into play.

*Stamina-Most of your guys that were playing in those last 7 minutes were either tiring, tired or beyond fatigue.
*Keep in mind the team you were playing was better.
*Bad luck, they were also hitting just about every shot in those last 7 minutes.
*Defensively, most of your guys are in the 30s and 40s, some fouls should be expected.

I figured fatigue, as well as poor defensive ratings, would play a part. Frustrating loss to say the least. Wishlist upgrade would be some sort of late game adjustment to limit fouls when leading by "x" points.

Three upperclassmen for you. Iq issues. Playing a plus five defense when your guards are weak defensively save one. Add in their exhaustion ....