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Jahmai Mashack turns buzzer-beater vs. Alabama into virtual food drive, fundraiser

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey•03/03/25•

GrantRamey

Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee Basketball | Andrew Ferguson, Tennessee Athletics
Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee Basketball | Andrew Ferguson, Tennessee Athletics

Jahmai Mashack wants to do more with his buzzer-beater that lifted No. 5 Tennessee to a 79-76 win over No. 6 Alabama Saturday at Food City Center. 

Tennessee’s senior guard wants to turn the 79 points the Vols scored against the Crimson Tide into $7,900 for Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. 

Mashack started a virtual food drive online on Sunday, with donations accepted until the end of March in the Mashack March Madness Virtual Food Drive.

“In honor of the 79 points scored in our epic win on March 1, 2025,” Mashack wrote, “I challenge you to help me raise $7,900 which will provide 23,700 meals to families in East Tennessee!  Every dollar helps!”

Mashack launched a 35-footer as time expired, making the shot while sending the home crowd of 22,392 into a frenzy. 

But he did more than just hit the final shot. He made two free throws to tie the game with 30.3 seconds left, capping an improbable four-point possession after Tennessee trailed 76-72.

Chaz Lanier started the possession with a field goal and a foul, but missed the foul shot for the three-point play. Mashack beat Alabama to the glass for the rebound attempt on the missed foul shot and was fouled, getting two foul shots with Tennessee in the double bonus.

On the other end, Mashack forced a tie-up with 3.8 seconds left after Alabama guard Labaron Philon drove to the paint.

The Crimson Tide had the possession arrow and retained the ball, but Tennessee’s defense forced a five-second violation, giving the ball back to the Vols and setting up Mashack’s long-range game-winner.

Mashack last season was selected to the SEC’s men’s basketball community service team for his work with Second Harvest Food Bank. He also went to the Philippines with Tennessee’s VOLeaders Academy in July 2023, participating in a service and cultural emersion program. 

He also has served as the Vice Chair of the SEC Leadership council and has represented the SEC in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee’s Student-Athlete Engagement Group. 

Rick Barnes: Jahmai Mashack ‘exemplifies everything that you want in a player, a person, a great family’

According to Tennessee, Mashack as of last March had helped raise over $1 million for Second Harvest Food Bank and had personally helped feed over 3,500 people. 

Mashack in December helped raise $14,700 for Second Harvest through another virtual food drive, which led to over 20,000 pounds of food being distributed to nearly 1,200 people from nearly 400 households.

The initial goal was to raise enough food for 30 households. 

Mashack against Alabama Saturday night finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two steals, with just one turnover, in 34 minutes. 

“I’m happy for Jahmai,” Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said after the win. “He’s been just incredible with everything. I mean, he exemplifies everything that you want in a player, a person, a great family.” 

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