or run out the clock phrasal to use up as much as possible of the playing time remaining in a game (as football) while retaining possession of the ball or puck especially to protect a lead
KILL THE CLOCK
Meaning of KILL THE CLOCK in English
Merriam Webster. Explanatory English dictionary Merriam Webster. Толковый словарь английского языка Мерриам-Уэбстер. 2012