At least you didn't have the winning score ... I'd have felt pretty lousy about that!
Not so much to you but all the participants: the reason for the deadline is admittedly my personal schedule. While I try to update the list over time, there are occasions when I have to handle a flurry of predictions at the end. Never wanting to miss a tip-off usually translates into a deadline that's 2-3 hours before game time ... but sometimes even earlier (as with the High Point game).
I used to be able to post who the winner was right after the game. Unfortunately, my Treo doesn't handle the new forum particularly well so I'm usually making that post when I get home (and fairly late in the evening at times -- like last night). So, the deadline isn't trying to make your life complicated ... but is intended to make my life a bit easier......