VOLS: Jahmai Mashack Never Takes the Shot He Drilled to Beat Alabama in a Game. But He Practices Them Every Shoot-Around. Inside the Chaotic Final Play That Delivered Tennessee Its Fourth Straight Win Over Alabama
In the world of college basketball, some moments feel like they were destined to happen. The shot that sealed Tennessee’s dramatic victory over Alabama on Saturday afternoon—the one that sent Thompson-Boling Arena into a frenzy—was one of those moments. The game-winning buzzer-beater by Jahmai Mashack was a play that no one could have predicted. But it wasn’t a shot that Mashack had never attempted before. In fact, it was a shot that he practices relentlessly—just not in a game situation.
This wasn’t a routine play, nor was it part of the original design. But in a chaotic, end-of-game scenario where everything was on the line, Mashack delivered the kind of shot that will be remembered for years to come. The win marked Tennessee’s fourth straight victory over Alabama, underscoring the Vols’ dominance over their SEC rivals in recent matchups.
A Chaotic Final Play: The Set-Up
The situation was tense, with the clock winding down and Tennessee trailing Alabama by two points. With just under 10 seconds left, Tennessee’s head coach Rick Barnes called a timeout to set up the final play. The Vols had one last chance to secure the win and extend their streak of victories over the Crimson Tide.
Barnes designed a play to get the ball in the hands of one of Tennessee’s best players, but in the midst of the chaos, Mashack found himself with the opportunity to make the biggest play of the game. The plan was to get a quick score, ideally a three-pointer, and if that wasn’t possible, get to the rim or draw a foul.
As Santiago Vescovi inbounded the ball, the Alabama defense was swarming. The plan began to break down as Alabama’s defense aggressively closed in on Zakai Zeigler and Vescovi, both of whom were focal points for the Vols’ offense. In an instant, the play had become far less structured.
This is where Jahmai Mashack came into focus. With his teammates covered, Mashack instinctively cut to the top of the key and received a pass just beyond the three-point line. The shot clock was ticking down, and the entire arena was holding its breath.
The Shot: A Practice Routine Under Pressure
Mashack’s shot was cool, calm, and collected in a moment of chaos. He drained the three-pointer at the buzzer, a shot that was a product of hours upon hours of practice in shoot-arounds before games. While he had never taken that exact shot in a real game, the move to get open, square up, and release with confidence was something he had executed countless times during pre-game warm-ups.
“I’ve worked on that shot a thousand times,” Mashack said after the game. “Every shoot-around, I take those shots. I know what it feels like. I know how to get my feet set. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking, I was just doing.”
It’s the kind of shot that most players only dream about making. But for Mashack, it wasn’t some miraculous, off-the-cuff miracle. It was the culmination of countless hours of practicing under pressure—practices that simulate game-like scenarios, where he works on his form, timing, and accuracy from the perimeter.
Rick Barnes, known for his meticulous preparation and coaching, made it clear that Mashack’s calm demeanor in such a high-pressure situation was no accident.
“I’ve seen Jahmai take that shot before,” Barnes explained. “Maybe not in a game, but we’ve worked on that exact situation. He’s put in the work. He’s taken the shots in practice, and when the moment came, he was ready.”
The Aftermath: A Celebratory Scene
As soon as the ball swished through the net, the arena erupted. The noise was deafening as Tennessee’s fans jumped to their feet, roaring in disbelief. Mashack’s teammates flooded the court, mobbing him as they celebrated their dramatic victory. The win was not just another notch in Tennessee’s belt—it was a statement. For the fourth consecutive year, the Vols had defeated Alabama, cementing their place as a dominant force in the SEC.
In a season where Tennessee had faced highs and lows, including injuries and challenges to their consistency, the victory over Alabama was a perfect representation of the team’s resilience. And Mashack, the unassuming hero, was at the heart of it.
While the play was chaotic, Mashack’s execution wasn’t. In the face of intense pressure and uncertainty, he showcased the composure and skill that he had honed through countless hours of practice. The final buzzer sounded, and the Vols were victorious—this moment would be remembered as one of the signature plays of the season.
A Moment for Mashack: Rising to the Occasion
The shot was a defining moment for Jahmai Mashack, who has steadily grown into one of Tennessee’s key contributors. While he may not have been the most prominent name on the roster heading into the season, his clutch performance proved that he’s a player who thrives under pressure and isn’t afraid to seize the moment.
Mashack’s play symbolized the growth of this Tennessee team—a group that has been battle-tested and prepared for moments like this. In the past, the Vols have struggled to close out big games, but with Mashack’s clutch shot, it was clear that this team is ready for the biggest challenges.
Tennessee’s Streak Over Alabama: More Than Just a Win
With the win over Alabama, Tennessee secured its fourth consecutive victory against the Crimson Tide. This streak is significant not just because of the win itself but because it shows the Vols’ ability to consistently compete at a high level against one of the SEC’s best teams. In a conference filled with competition and high-level teams, Tennessee’s dominance over Alabama signals that they are a force to be reckoned with, and that their place among the elite teams in college basketball is well-earned.
After years of struggling to climb past Alabama, the Vols have now firmly established themselves as the dominant team in this rivalry. The psychological edge that comes with winning four straight games against a conference powerhouse cannot be overstated.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Tennessee
For Tennessee, this victory is just another step toward achieving their ultimate goal: a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The Vols’ performance on Saturday showed their potential as a top-tier team, and Mashack’s clutch moment is a reminder that anything can happen when a team is prepared and has the right mentality. With a solid balance of veteran leadership, up-and-coming talent, and strong coaching from Rick Barnes, Tennessee is primed to make a run at a national title.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The SEC is loaded with talent, and the tournament itself is always full of surprises. But if Tennessee continues to play with the confidence and poise they showed against Alabama, there’s no telling how far they can go.
The Significance of Practice and Preparedness
In the aftermath of the game, it’s clear that Jahmai Mashack’s clutch buzzer-beater was more than just a lucky shot. It was the result of tireless practice, focus, and a calm demeanor in a chaotic situation. For Tennessee, it’s a reminder of the importance of preparation—of the work that goes into each and every shot, no matter how big or small. It’s also a testament to the resilience of the team, and the belief that anything is possible when the moment calls for it.
As the season moves forward, Tennessee basketball has solidified itself as a team that will be a force in the SEC and beyond. And thanks to Mashack’s unforgettable play, this victory over Alabama will go down as one of the most thrilling moments in Vols’ history.