The first day of March brought intense college basketball action, highlighted by a thrilling finish in Knoxville.
The No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers secured a dramatic 79-76 victory over No. 6 Alabama, thanks to a last-second three-pointer by senior guard Jahmai Mashack. The shot not only sent the home crowd into a frenzy but also sparked an animated reaction from ESPN announcers Karl Ravech, Dick Vitale, and Jimmy Dykes.
The final moments were packed with drama. With Tennessee trailing, Mashack first tied the game by sinking two clutch free throws after being fouled on an offensive rebound. Alabama then appeared to have a chance to win but committed a crucial five-second violation while trying to inbound the ball with 3.8 seconds left.
This gave Tennessee one final opportunity, which Mashack capitalized on, drilling a deep three at the buzzer. The ESPN crew erupted in excitement, with Vitale’s trademark enthusiasm taking center stage.
This game was just one of several major SEC matchups on ESPN’s networks that day. No. 1 Auburn broke a decades-long drought at No. 17 Kentucky, though the broadcast suffered significant technical difficulties. Meanwhile, Arkansas—fighting for an NCAA Tournament bid—fell in a surprising 72-53 defeat to South Carolina.
However, Tennessee’s buzzer-beater stood out as the most electrifying moment of the day, creating an unforgettable highlight for March Madness.
