Jahmai Mashack’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Tennessee Over Alabama

Jahmai Mashack’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Tennessee Over Alabama \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jahmai Mashack hit a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, lifting No. 5 Tennessee to a thrilling 79-76 win over No. 6 Alabama on Saturday. Tennessee forced a five-second violation with 3.8 seconds left, setting up Mashack’s game-winning shot. Despite Alabama winning the rebounding battle, Tennessee’s defense stepped up late, securing a key SEC victory.

Tennessee vs. Alabama: Quick Look

• Jahmai Mashack delivered a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, lifting No. 5 Tennessee to a dramatic 79-76 win over No. 6 Alabama in a top-10 SEC showdown.
• Tennessee forced a crucial five-second violation on Alabama’s inbounds play with 3.8 seconds left, setting up the game-winning shot.
• Chaz Lanier and Jordan Gainey led Tennessee with 18 points each, while Zakai Zeigler added 15 points in a balanced offensive effort.
• Alabama’s Mark Sears was dominant with 24 points, and Labaron Philon (13 points) and Aden Holloway (11 points) provided support.
• Despite being outrebounded 24-14 in the second half, Tennessee’s defense came through in crunch time to seal the victory.
• Next up: Alabama hosts Florida on Wednesday, while Tennessee visits Mississippi as both teams prepare for the SEC Tournament.

Deep Look

Mashack’s Deep Three Seals It for Tennessee

In a game filled with momentum swings, Jahmai Mashack stole the spotlight in the closing moments, sinking a long-range three-pointer at the buzzer to propel No. 5 Tennessee past No. 6 Alabama 79-76 on Saturday night.

With 3.8 seconds left, Tennessee’s defense forced Alabama into a five-second inbounds violation, giving the Volunteers one last possession to attempt a game-winner. Mashack sprinted up the court and launched a deep three well beyond the arc, finding nothing but net as time expired.

“I just trusted my shot and let it fly,” Mashack said postgame. “This is what we play for—big moments like this.”

The victory cements Tennessee’s status as an SEC powerhouse heading into the postseason, while Alabama is left searching for answers after another close loss in a high-stakes game.

Tennessee Overcomes Alabama’s Rebounding Dominance

Tennessee had to overcome a tough rebounding battle to escape with the victory.

• Alabama outrebounded Tennessee 24-14 in the second half, with a 13-7 edge on the offensive boards.
• The Crimson Tide generated multiple second-chance opportunities, keeping the game within reach despite Tennessee’s efficient offense.
• However, Tennessee forced 14 Alabama turnovers, including the crucial five-second call that set up the game-winning play.

“We got beat on the glass, but we made the stops when we had to,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “That’s what great teams do.”

Balanced Scoring Helps Vols Stay in Control

Tennessee’s Key Performers

• Chaz Lanier & Jordan Gainey: 18 points each, providing key baskets in crunch time.
• Zakai Zeigler: 15 points, running the offense with poise.
• Jahmai Mashack: 11 points, including the game-winning shot.

Alabama’s Standout Players

• Mark Sears: 24 points, leading all scorers in a strong performance.
• Labaron Philon: 13 points, stepping up in the new three-guard lineup.
• Aden Holloway: 11 points, contributing off the bench.

Key Moments That Defined the Game

1. Alabama’s First-Half Surge

The Crimson Tide took a 42-38 lead into halftime, led by Mark Sears’ 12 first-half points. Their physicality and rebounding advantage helped them control the pace early.

2. Tennessee’s Defensive Adjustment

In the second half, Tennessee applied more ball pressure, forcing Alabama into turnovers and rushed shots. The Vols capitalized on transition opportunities, shifting momentum in their favor.

3. The Final 3.8 Seconds

With the game tied at 76-76, Alabama had possession but failed to inbound the ball in time, resulting in a turnover. Tennessee inbounded quickly, and Mashack raced up the floor, pulled up from deep, and drained the game-winner as time expired.

Alabama’s Lineup Shift: A Work in Progress

Despite the loss, Alabama’s decision to go with a three-guard starting lineup continues to be an intriguing adjustment.

• Coach Nate Oats inserted Labaron Philon into the starting five alongside Mark Sears and Chris Youngblood.
• The smaller lineup has improved Alabama’s offensive flow, but it came at the cost of defensive stability, as Tennessee exploited mismatches in the second half.

Oats acknowledged that the change has positives and negatives, stating:

“We’re still figuring out the best combination. We like the offensive firepower, but we need to close games better.”

Postseason Implications: What’s Next for Tennessee and Alabama?

With both teams projected to earn high seeds in the NCAA Tournament, this matchup could have major seeding implications as the SEC Tournament approaches.

For Tennessee:

• The Vols head to Mississippi on Wednesday, looking to carry momentum into the conference tournament.
• With a top-10 ranking and a signature win over Alabama, Tennessee is positioning itself as a potential No. 2 or No. 3 seed in March Madness.

For Alabama:

• The Crimson Tide host Florida on Wednesday, needing a bounce-back win.
• Alabama remains a dangerous team but must improve in late-game execution if they hope to make a deep tournament run.

Final Thoughts: Tennessee’s Poise Sets Them Apart

Tennessee’s ability to close games under pressure is a key trait of championship-level teams. Mashack’s buzzer-beater is just another example of how this squad thrives in high-pressure moments.

For Alabama, the loss exposes areas that need improvement, particularly in late-game decision-making and defensive execution.

With both teams poised for deep postseason runs, don’t be surprised if we see a rematch in the SEC Tournament or even March Madness.

For now, Tennessee gets the last word, thanks to one of the most thrilling buzzer-beaters of the season.

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