I couldn't find the official NCAA rules, but I did find this.
Three Second Violation
The third and most crucial point, however, is that officials must be aware of the provision for suspending the three second count. If a player who has been in the restricted area for fewer than three seconds receives that ball and immediately moves to the basket (dribble for pivot) to try for a goal, the count is suspended to allow for the completion of the try. Remember, suspended, not ended. If the player does not attempt the try and either passes the ball or dribbles out of the lane, a three seconds call should be made. This allowance only applies to the player with the ball. Another instance of suspending a three second count is if the official sees that the player is making a serious effort to leave the area. Also, an official would suspend a three second count during an interrupted dribble. Use of these guidelines will assist and official in calling the three second rule appropriately and fairly.
Receiving the ball suspends the count, but if he doesn't shoot and instead passes the ball to another teammate, or out of the lane without getting out, that's a violation.
