Agreeing to end the game and split the VP

Here is the scenario:

Two players remain, there is 12 minutes left on the clock, both players have lots of pool and it seems like it will likely end in a tie, and 1/2 of a vp for each player.

Can these two players agree to stop the game and split the point among themselves, or are they forced to play to the end of the official time?

It is my contention that they cannot do this. It is also my understanding that you cannot intentionally play slowly in order to run out the clock. It is my understanding that one must play to win, or concede the game. One of them must concede, or they must continue play. Who knows what could have happened if they had tried to duke it out, one or the other might have gained an advantage and won the game. My contention is based on the rulings I could find when I searched for "concede" in the rules forum.

I would further argue that allowing the last two players to agree to end the game and split the victory points could be construed as collusion between them.

If whoever answers this would be so kind as to refer to a ruling backing up their answer I'd greatly appreciate it.

From the tournament rules:
3.6. Intentional Draw
Players may mutually agree to accept an intentional draw at any time before the game results are submitted. If an offer to intentionally draw is declined, the game must continue as normal without any further coercion to accept the offer. Declaring an intentional draw has the same results for competitors as playing to the time limit (see sec 3.7.2).