Congratulations to Mark Sears: First Player in SEC History to Win Three Games Over AP No. 1 Opponents
In the realm of college basketball, there are certain milestones that stand out, showcasing a player’s greatness. For Mark Sears, a name etched in the annals of SEC basketball history, one of those defining moments arrived in March 2025. He became the first player in SEC history to defeat three AP No. 1 ranked teams over the course of his career. This remarkable feat adds yet another chapter to a legacy that has already garnered attention from fans and analysts across the nation.
Sears achieved this historical feat by leading his team to an incredible victory over No. 1 Auburn on March 8, 2025, a victory that sealed his place in the history books. His previous wins over No. 1 opponents came on November 27, 2022, when he led his team to a shocking win against No. 1 North Carolina, and on December 10, 2022, when his leadership helped knock off No. 1 Houston.
This article dives into Sears’ impressive career, taking a closer look at his journey, these monumental wins, and the impact they’ve had on both his team and the SEC.
Mark Sears’ Journey to SEC Greatness
Mark Sears’ path to stardom in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) didn’t happen overnight. It was forged through hard work, consistency, and a relentless commitment to improving his game. Sears, a native of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, had always been known for his basketball IQ, versatility, and scoring ability. From a young age, he stood out on the court, eventually making his way to the collegiate level.
Before making waves in the SEC, Sears was a standout player at the University of Alabama, where he quickly became known for his dynamic scoring, clutch performances, and leadership on the court. However, his journey to becoming one of the SEC’s most accomplished players started even before his time in Tuscaloosa. After transferring from another program, Sears made an immediate impact for Alabama, with his scoring and playmaking abilities often drawing attention from both fans and analysts.
His time with Alabama was characterized by standout performances against some of the toughest teams in the nation. Despite facing many challenges, Sears never seemed to shy away from the spotlight, and it wasn’t long before he started making a name for himself against some of college basketball’s heavyweights. His ability to step up in big games, often against ranked opponents, solidified his reputation as a player who thrived under pressure.
First Win Against No. 1: Defeating North Carolina (Nov. 27, 2022)
Sears’ career-defining moment first came on November 27, 2022, when Alabama faced off against the No. 1-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. North Carolina was not only the top-ranked team at the time but also a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. The Tar Heels had been cruising through their season, and very few expected Alabama to pull off an upset.
However, Mark Sears had other plans.
In a game filled with high energy and drama, Sears turned in a performance that left fans and analysts stunned. He scored a game-high 23 points, adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists, and was instrumental in Alabama’s late-game run. With less than two minutes remaining, Sears hit a clutch 3-pointer to give Alabama a one-point lead, ultimately sealing the game with solid free-throw shooting down the stretch.
His performance against a No. 1 opponent like North Carolina wasn’t just about the points he scored; it was about the poise he exhibited throughout the contest. Sears maintained composure against a seasoned North Carolina squad, showing his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest.
That win on November 27, 2022, made history as Sears’ first victory over a No. 1-ranked team, and it cemented his status as one of the rising stars in college basketball. What made the victory even more impressive was that it came at a time when the entire nation was still reeling from Alabama’s previous struggles in big games. Sears helped provide Alabama with the momentum to push forward and prove they could compete with the nation’s elite.
Second Win Against No. 1: Defeating Houston (Dec. 10, 2022)
Just over two weeks later, on December 10, 2022, Mark Sears proved that his win against North Carolina was no fluke. Alabama faced off against No. 1 Houston, a team widely considered by many to be the most complete and dominant in the nation. Houston, led by coach Kelvin Sampson, had been on a tear and seemed poised to continue their dominance.
Once again, Sears played the role of the clutch performer.
This game would go down as one of the most thrilling contests of the 2022-2023 season. Alabama and Houston exchanged blows for the full 40 minutes, and once again, it was Mark Sears who made the difference. He finished the game with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. But it wasn’t just his scoring that stood out — it was his leadership. Sears was able to orchestrate his team’s offense against one of the best defensive teams in the country, all while keeping his cool in front of a raucous crowd at Coleman Coliseum.
With the game tied and less than 10 seconds remaining, it was Sears who handled the ball, taking his man off the dribble and driving to the basket for the game-winning layup. His basket, which came with just 4.2 seconds left on the clock, was the defining moment of the game. The entire Alabama bench erupted, and Sears’ teammates mobbed him as he walked off the court with yet another massive win to his name.
That victory solidified Sears as not just a top player in the SEC, but one who had the ability to take down the very best. To defeat two No. 1 teams within a span of just two weeks was extraordinary, and it placed Sears in rare company among college basketball’s elite.
Third Win Against No. 1: Defeating Auburn (Mar. 8, 2025)
Fast forward to March 8, 2025, and Mark Sears added a third monumental victory to his résumé, this time against No. 1 Auburn. The win was especially significant because it occurred in the heart of March Madness territory, with conference championships and NCAA Tournament seeding on the line.
The Auburn Tigers had been on a dominant run, steamrolling through the SEC with a well-rounded team that boasted several future NBA prospects. The Tigers were expected to contend for a national title, and few gave Alabama much of a chance to pull off an upset.
But when the game began, it quickly became evident that Mark Sears had other plans.
From the opening tip, Sears was engaged and ready. He dominated the game, leading Alabama to a 79-74 victory over the top-ranked Tigers. Sears finished the game with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, but it was his clutch shooting in the final minutes that made all the difference. After Auburn cut the lead to just one point, Sears calmly drained a step-back three-pointer with 1:12 remaining to give Alabama a four-point lead — a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
This victory was historic, as it made Sears the first player in SEC history to have defeated three AP No. 1 teams in his career. It was a fitting conclusion to a career that had already seen him rise from a promising talent to one of the conference’s all-time greats.
The Legacy of Mark Sears
Mark Sears’ remarkable achievement of defeating three No. 1 ranked teams in his career is more than just a statistic. It’s a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to perform under pressure. In a league like the SEC, where top-tier programs such as Kentucky, Auburn, and Tennessee dominate the national spotlight, it’s not easy to make a lasting impact. But Sears has done just that, and his place in SEC history is now undeniable.
What sets Sears apart is his unshakable confidence and his knack for stepping up in big moments. His ability to shine when the spotlight is brightest — against the very best teams in the country — has earned him the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike. His legacy will be remembered not only for his three wins against No. 1 opponents but also for the leadership, poise, and work ethic that made those wins possible.
As he prepares to take the next step in his basketball journey, whether in the NBA or elsewhere, Mark Sears will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever don an Alabama uniform. His historic three-game streak against No. 1 teams is a reminder that in college basketball, anything is possible — and for Sears, that meant rewriting the record books.