Mercy rule in basketball now, too

The days of truly lopsided basketball scores should be gone now. Or at least diminished considerably.The Iowa High School Athletic Association has adopted a 35-point rule similar to football. Here is the exact wording of the new rule:

MERCY RULEBased on a recommendation from the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association and approval from the IHSAA Board ofControl, a 35-point differential rule is in effect for all games played in Iowa, grades 7-12. If there is a 35-point differential at the end of the first half or anytime after, the game will be continued with a running clock. Beginning with the ensuing possession when the 35-point differential becomes effective, the following changes, and only these changes, will be made regarding rules determining when the clock will and will not be stopped.The clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped:(1) Anytime a time-out is charged to a team;(2) Intermission between third and fourth quarter;(3) Extended injury time-out;(4) Anytime officials determine it is necessary for safety reasons.Please keep in mind we play the first half to completion with regular timing. If the differential is 35 points or more at half-time or anytime there is a 35-point differential during the second half, the running clock procedures will be used.If the score margin drops below 25 points, then normal timing will resume for the remainder of the game, or until the 35 point plateau is again reached.