BASKETBALL; Oddity in three-point basket rules

Some National Basketball Association teams have been slow to catch on to the proper strategy against last-second, three- point basket attempts. Defensively, the best thing to do is to foul the shooter, who would be given the oppotunity to score no more than two free throws. This quirk in the rules should encourage any team nursing a three-point lead to intentionally foul an opponent throwing up an ICBM. In a recent nationally televised game, though, Boston blew just such a chance. Up by three with seconds remaining, the Celtics allowed Seattle's Dennis Johnson to get off a desperation heave from beyond the three-point line. The shot went in, tying the game, and eventually Boston lost in double overtime.