Jahmai Mashack hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give No. 5 Tennessee a 79-76 win over No. 6 Alabama after the Crimson Tide committed a 5-second violation for a turnover when they had an opportunity to win the game.
Alabama had a 76-72 lead with 36 seconds remaining in regulation, but a Chaz Lanier layup followed by two free throws from Mashack tied the game for the Volunteers.
Tennessee’s defense came up big on Alabama’s final possession, preventing the Tide from inbounding the ball before a 5-second violation was called. Clifford Omoruyi found Chris Youngblood for an open 3-pointer, but he missed. The shot didn’t count anyway after Alabama was whistled for the violation.
Making matters worse: The Tide had two timeouts remaining. That, along with not pressuring Mashack up the court, are decisions that Alabama and coach Nate Oats will have to consider in light of the defeat.
With the loss, Alabama’s chances at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA men’s tournament took a blow. However, the Tide aren’t eliminated from consideration for one of the top seeds remaining behind Auburn (27-2, 15-1 SEC) and Duke (25-3, 16-1 ACC). But Tennessee’s win obviously moves them a step ahead, along with Houston and Florida, for a No. 1 bid.
No. 4 Houston (25-4, 17-1 in the Big 12) defeated Cincinnati, 73-64, on Saturday afternoon, while No. 3 Florida (24-4, 11-4) faces No. 12 Texas A&M (20-8, 9-6 SEC) in the evening.
Mashack finished with 11 points, the last five of which were the most important for Tennessee. The buzzer-beating 3 was his only shot from long range during the game. Lanier led the Vols with 18 points, followed by 15 from Zakai Zeigler. Tennessee improved to 24-5 overall and 11-5 in conference. The Vols visit Ole Miss (20-9, 9-7) on Wednesday.
Mark Sears scored a game-high 24 points for Alabama. His 3 with 2:05 remaining looked as if it could have been the decisive shot. Labaron Philon added 13, putting the Tide ahead 75-72 on a layup with 1:15 left. Alabama dropped to 23-6 overall and 12-4 in the SEC. It will host Florida in another top SEC clash on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
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