In a game with significant implications for both the SEC title race and NCAA Tournament positioning, Alabama basketball suffered a devastating loss to Tennessee, 79-76, on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jahmai Mashack. The winner was in a strong position for a No. 1 seed, and Alabama had control for much of the game, holding a nine-point lead in the second half. However, Tennessee battled back and took the lead with under four minutes remaining. Alabama regained a brief lead, but with seconds left in regulation, the game was tied at 76. After a costly turnover and a missed opportunity for Alabama to set up a final play, Mashack hit a deep three-pointer to seal the win for the Volunteers.
Three Takeaways from Alabama’s Heartbreaking Loss to Tennessee:
3. Late-game execution falls squarely on Nate Oats’ shoulders:
Alabama’s late-game mistakes were primarily due to poor coaching decisions. Oats, a generally great coach, made several questionable moves in the game’s final moments. Not calling a timeout with 30 seconds left to set up a play was a tough call, and when Philon struggled to get the ball to Mark Sears, Oats should have used his remaining timeouts. Moreover, putting Philon as the inbounder after a tie-up was a risky move, given his struggles in that situation earlier in the game. Oats also failed to call a timeout when Alabama struggled with the inbound pass, leading to a five-second violation that gave Tennessee an opportunity they shouldn’t have had.
2. Alabama squandered too many opportunities throughout the game:
While Oats’ late-game decisions were critical, the game should have never come down to the final seconds. Alabama had plenty of chances to put the game away. They held Tennessee to poor shooting and dominated the glass (+11 rebounds). Despite not shooting well from deep (37.5%), Alabama had opportunities to extend their lead but missed crucial shots, including 9 free throws and only shooting 44.4% from inside the arc—well below their season average.
1. This loss damages Alabama’s SEC Championship and No. 1 seed hopes:
With the defeat, Alabama’s chances of winning the SEC regular-season title have officially ended, and Auburn has clinched the title outright. Alabama now faces a difficult final stretch to finish the regular season, with their No. 1 seed hopes now at risk. The Crimson Tide will need to win at least one of their final two games to secure a double bye in the SEC Tournament, making this loss particularly costly for both the SEC title race and their NCAA Tournament positioning.
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