In a thrilling Southeastern Conference (SEC) showdown on March 1, 2025, the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers edged out the No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide with a dramatic 79-76 victory, sealed by a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Jahmai Mashack.
Game Overview
The matchup between these top-tier teams lived up to its billing, featuring intense back-and-forth action, strategic plays, and standout performances. Both teams were vying for a coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, adding significant weight to the contest.
First Half
Tennessee started strong, with Chaz Lanier scoring the team’s initial seven points, leading to a 7-2 advantage within the first three minutes. However, Alabama quickly responded, with Mark Sears’ layup giving the Crimson Tide a 9-7 lead shortly after. The Volunteers faced challenges as their point guard, Zakai Zeigler, accumulated two early fouls, leading to seven turnovers in the first eight minutes. Despite these setbacks, Tennessee managed to hold an 18-16 lead during that stretch.
Alabama capitalized on Tennessee’s turnovers and foul troubles. Sears was particularly effective, leading all scorers with 12 points in the first half. The Crimson Tide’s aggressive play and strategic adjustments allowed them to take a 42-38 lead into halftime.
Second Half
The second half saw Alabama extending their lead to as much as nine points, with a 62-53 advantage at the 10:15 mark following an Aden Holloway three-pointer. Tennessee, however, showcased resilience. Zakai Zeigler, despite early foul troubles, scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half, providing a much-needed spark for the Volunteers. A pivotal 15-7 run by Tennessee tied the game at 66, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.
Final Moments
The closing seconds of the game were filled with tension and dramatic shifts. With 36 seconds remaining, Alabama held a 76-72 lead. Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier drove to the basket, scoring a layup while drawing a foul. Although he missed the ensuing free throw, Mashack secured the offensive rebound and was fouled, sinking both free throws to tie the game at 76 with 30.3 seconds left.
Alabama’s subsequent possession ended in a turnover, as they were called for a five-second violation while attempting to inbound the ball with 3.8 seconds remaining. This miscue gave Tennessee one final opportunity. In the game’s defining moment, Mashack received the inbound pass, dribbled up the court, and launched a deep three-pointer from well beyond the arc, sinking it as time expired to secure the victory for the Volunteers.
Key Performances
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Tennessee:
- Chaz Lanier: 18 points
- Jordan Gainey: 18 points
- Zakai Zeigler: 15 points
- Jahmai Mashack: 11 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, six rebounds, and three steals
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Alabama:
- Mark Sears: Game-high 24 points
- Labaron Philon: 13 points
- Aden Holloway: 11 points
Coaches’ Insights
Alabama’s head coach, Nate Oats, reflected on the game’s conclusion, stating, “Tough way to lose and you have to give Tennessee a lot of credit. They didn’t quit when we had them down nine midway through the second half. These guys compete hard, and we did not do a great job of closing it.”
Implications
This victory marked Tennessee’s fourth consecutive win over Alabama and solidified their position as a strong contender for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Volunteers improved to a 24-5 overall record and 11-5 in SEC play, while the Crimson Tide fell to 23-6 overall and 12-4 in the conference, experiencing their third loss in five games.
The game’s outcome also had significant implications for the SEC standings and the upcoming NCAA Tournament seeding. Tennessee’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure highlighted their potential for a deep tournament run.
Looking Ahead
Both teams have pivotal games remaining in their regular-season schedules. Alabama will return home to face No. 3 Florida on March 5, aiming to rebound from this loss and strengthen their tournament resume. Tennessee is set to visit Mississippi on the same date, seeking to maintain their momentum as the postseason approaches.
This game will be remembered not only for its thrilling conclusion but also for the display of skill, strategy, and determination by both teams. As the season progresses, performances like these underscore the excitement and unpredictability of college basketbal
