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SEC refs appear to make critical error on Jahmai Mashack game-winner vs. Alabama

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•03/01/25•

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Rick Barnes, Tennessee Basketball | Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
(Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports) Feb 21, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes reacts during the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena.

Rocky Top is on fire as Tennessee hit a buzzer-beater via Jahmai Mashack to beat Alabama. A comeback within the final minute, it’s a win the Volunteers may have to become a one-seed on Selection Sunday. But there may have been a critical error from the officials right before Mashack got the shot off.

Looking at Rick Barnes, the Tennessee head coach was attempting to call a timeout once Mashack crossed half-court. Presumably, he wanted to draw up a play for his team with the ball advanced. Even as the ball is in the air, you can see Barnes visibly upset with his timeout not being granted.

He will be thankful officials ignored him. Mashack hit a deep three from the logo, sending Thompson-Boiling Arena into an absolute frenzy.

You can see the full sequence here.

Officials have a lot going on in these types of situations. Making sure the entire play is clean is priority No. 1, having to be ready to call fouls. There might be a chance Barnes was not heard due to the loud conditions inside the arena. After all, Tennessee produces one of the best environments in college basketball.

Whatever the reason for Barnes not getting the timeout called, everything wound up working out. Tennessee beats a bitter rival in Alabama, a program Barnes has had an upper hand on since Nate Oats took over in Tuscaloosa. For all the potent offense Oats produces, Saturday’s 76 points is the most one of his teams has scored against Tennessee.

Bruce Pearl trolls Alabama, celebrates Tennessee win as Auburn wins SEC regular season title

Auburn left Rupp Arena with at least a share of the SEC regular season championship. Two games up with two remaining, only one scenario saw the Tigers clinch outright on Saturday. Alabama needed to lose to Tennessee in Knoxville in a matchup of top-six teams.

Tennessee got the job done at the buzzer, sending Knoxville into a frenzy. The party may be just as big on the Plains as Auburn are now the lone team who can claim an SEC Championship this season. Bruce Pearl is one happy guy, getting an assist from his former program.

Pearl took to social media to celebrate the occasion, possibly taking a shot at Auburn’s in-state rivals along the way. His former program wound up helping out in a big way.

“VFL and War Damn Eagle!” Pearl said via X.