> Maine has won 14 of 16 games not decided by tie for a .875 winning
> percentage.
>
> Factor in a "half-win/half-loss" for each tie and it drops to .800. (I
> believe that this the common practice which consequently punishes winning
> teams for tying and benefits losing teams for ties)
 
Why is that a punishment or benefit.  A tie is akin to a half win and half
loss. You came out 50-50.  You didn't win, or lose, you came out in the
middle. So, a team with 14 wins and 3 ties in 20 games, really has won 15
1/2 games.
 
In a practical sense, look at it from a points perspective.  In each game,
it's possible to win 2 points.  If you tie, you get 1.  So, take the amount
of points won and divide by possible points.  If you play 20 games and are
14-3-3, then you've earned 31 points out of a possible 40.
 
Either way, it's the same thing. And the latter example clarifies why,
conceptually, the former example is correct.
 
AW
 
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