_Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack Hits Game-Winning 3-Pointer as Time Expires vs Alabama_
In a thrilling finish to a back-and-forth game, Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack hit a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to lift the Volunteers to a 68-65 victory over Alabama on Saturday night.
The shot, which came from the top of the key, was Mashack’s only 3-pointer of the game and capped off a wild finish to the contest. Alabama’s Jaden Shackelford had tied the game with a layup with 10 seconds remaining, but Mashack’s heroics gave Tennessee the win.
“I’m just glad I could make the shot and help my team win,” Mashack said in a post-game interview. “It was a great feeling, and I’m just glad I could be a part of it.”
The game was a closely contested affair throughout, with neither team able to gain a significant advantage. Tennessee led by as many as seven points in the first half, but Alabama rallied to take a 32-31 lead at halftime.
The second half was more of the same, with the teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a clear advantage. Tennessee’s Santiago Vescovi led all scorers with 21 points, while Alabama’s Shackelford added 20 points in a losing effort.
Despite the loss, Alabama head coach Nate Oats was proud of his team’s effort. “I thought our guys played really hard and gave it everything they had,” Oats said. “We just came up a little short. Tennessee made a great play at the end, and you have to tip your hat to them.”
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes was equally impressed with his team’s performance. “I thought our guys showed a lot of heart and determination tonight,” Barnes said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but our guys stepped up and made the plays when it counted.”
The win was a big one for Tennessee, which improved to 20-6 overall and 9-4 in the Southeastern Conference. The Volunteers are now in sole possession of second place in the SEC standings, behind only Auburn.
Alabama, meanwhile, fell to 17-9 overall and 7-6 in the SEC. The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host Arkansas.
As for Mashack, the sophomore guard was mobbed by his teammates after hitting the game-winning shot. It was a moment he will never forget, and one that will go down in Tennessee basketball history.
“It was an incredible feeling,” Mashack said. “I’m just glad I could be a part of it and help my team win.”
The Volunteers will look to build on the momentum of their thrilling win over Alabama when they host Vanderbilt on Tuesday. With the SEC Tournament just around the corner, Tennessee is peaking at the right time.
“We’re feeling good about ourselves right now,” Barnes said. “We know we’ve got a tough stretch ahead of us, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
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