Alabama Falls to Tennessee in a Buzzer-Beater Finish

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 11:04 PM ET

A massive top 10 matchup took place in Knoxville tonight as the #6 Alabama Crimson Tide took on the #5 Tennessee Volunteers.

A back and forth game from start to finish is exactly what the fans expected as we get into March. Alabama’s star guard Mark Sears led the way for both teams with 24 points, however, it was Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack’s big night.

Alabama had a four point lead with 36 seconds left, and with 30 seconds left Jahmai tied the game at 76 a piece with two free throws.

A five second violation for the Tide with three seconds left gave the Vols a chance, and Mashack hit a deep three from the logo to win the game at the buzzer for Tennessee.

AN INSTANT CLASSIC IN KNOXVILLE

NO. 5 TENNESSEE HITS A BUZZER-BEATER VS. NO. 6 ALABAMA‼️ pic.twitter.com/U1ZcaKaLs8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 1, 2025

Head coach of the Crimson Tide, Nate Oats stated in a post game press conference that he will "take most of the blame in the last 30 seconds" in what most fans watching thought was Alabama leaving Knoxville with a victory.

What does this game mean for both teams? First, a Tennessee win secures a regular season SEC Championship for number one ranked Auburn. Alabama is still second in the conference, and Tennessee is fourth just behind Florida. Depending on how the SEC Tournament plays out, one of these two teams could secure one of the four #1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament.

Alabama has two very important games to end the regular season, with a home battle against third ranked Florida on Wednesday March 5th, and finishing off the season at #1 Auburn on Saturday March 8th.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: