Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. It’s a fast-paced game that requires skill, strategy, and teamwork to win. But how long does a game last? Is basketball 3 or 4 quarters?
The answer to this question will depend on the level of basketball you’re playing. In the NBA and WNBA, basketball games are divided into four 10 minute quarters. College basketball games are generally divided into two 20 minute halves. High school and middle school games can be divided into either four 8 minute quarters or two 16 minute halves.
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The Quarter System
In the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), basketball games are divided into four quarters of 10 minutes each. At the end of each quarter, the teams will switch sides and a new 10 minute period will begin. The clock is stopped at the end of each quarter to allow teams to switch sides, as well as for timeouts and other stoppages.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the team with the most points is declared the winner. If the game is tied after four quarters, an extra 5 minute period known as overtime will be played. If the game is still tied after overtime, the teams will keep playing until one team has more points than the other.
The Half System
In college basketball, games are generally divided into two 20 minute halves. At the end of each half, the teams will switch sides, and a new 20 minute period will begin. The clock is stopped at the end of each half to allow teams to switch sides, as well as for timeouts and other stoppages.
At the end of the second half, the team with the most points is declared the winner. If the game is tied after two halves, an extra 5 minute period known as overtime will be played. If the game is still tied after overtime, the teams will keep playing until one team has more points than the other.
High School and Middle School
At the high school and middle school level, the length of a basketball game can vary from state to state. In some states, games are divided into four 8 minute quarters. In other states, games are divided into two 16 minute halves.
At the end of the fourth quarter or second half, the team with the most points is declared the winner. If the game is tied after four quarters or two halves, an extra 5 minute period known as overtime will be played. If the game is still tied after overtime, the teams will keep playing until one team has more points than the other.
Conclusion
So to answer the question: Is basketball 3 or 4 quarters? The answer is that it depends on the level of basketball you are playing. In the NBA and WNBA, basketball games are divided into four 10 minute quarters. College basketball games are generally divided into two 20 minute halves. High school and middle school games can be divided into either four 8 minute quarters or two 16 minute halves.