Winning bid posted 48 seconds after scheduled closing time?

[bearoverthemtn]

I lost an auction tonight to a winning bid which posted 48 seconds after the scheduled closing time.  I can handle being outbid, but the timing gives a fishy impression.  What gives?  (Obviously, had I really cared, I would have left an automated higher bid).  I'm left wondering how much are people able to game the system?  It is potentially disquieting.