How many timeouts does each team receive per half in NCAA basketball?

In NCAA basketball, each team is allowed four timeouts per game, but they are allocated differently across the two halves. Specifically, each team receives two timeouts per half. The reason this system is in place is to maintain the game's flow while still permitting teams to make strategic adjustments and provide rest for players during critical points in the game.

Beyond being structured this way, the fourth timeout can also impact game strategy, as unused timeouts from the first half do not carry over into the second half. This rule encourages teams to utilize their timeouts effectively, as they cannot rely on transferring them into the latter part of the game. Additionally, in the event of overtime, each team is granted one additional timeout, which adds another layer to the game’s strategy. This structure helps keep the game dynamic while still providing necessary breaks for coaching and player rest.