run up the score

run up the score (third-person singular simple present runs up the score, present participle running up the score, simple past ran up the score, past participle run up the score)

1. To engage in the practice – usually by coaching decision – of scoring more points than needed in a one-sided contest.

   The old-school coach felt that his team's weak opponent had no business playing his strong team, so he decided to run up the score.