Mark Sears hits hero shot at buzzer as Alabama basketball tops Auburn: Score, highlights

In an exhilarating clash between two SEC powerhouses, Mark Sears became the hero for Alabama, delivering a thrilling game-winning shot at the buzzer to defeat Auburn in a heart-stopping finish. The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide edged out their archrivals, the No. 11 Auburn Tigers, with a dramatic 76-75 victory in a game that will go down as one of the most thrilling matchups of the season.

With the stakes high and both teams battling for supremacy in the Southeastern Conference, the atmosphere was electric inside the Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa. The rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is one of the fiercest in college basketball, and this game delivered everything fans could hope for: drama, intensity, incredible individual performances, and a finish that left everyone on the edge of their seats.

As the clock ticked down in the final moments of the game, it was Mark Sears—the Alabama point guard—who became the hero, stepping up with ice in his veins to knock down a buzzer-beating jumper, sending the Crimson Tide faithful into a frenzy and securing a huge win for Alabama’s championship hopes.

A Rivalry Renewed: Alabama vs. Auburn

The atmosphere inside Coleman Coliseum was electric even before the game tipped off. The intense rivalry between Alabama and Auburn has grown over the years, and this matchup was no exception. With both teams ranked in the top 15, the game had massive implications not only for the SEC standings but also for NCAA Tournament seeding. The stakes were high, and both teams came out with all the intensity you would expect from a high-stakes rivalry game.

Auburn, led by Bruce Pearl, has always been a team that prides itself on its defense, and that was evident right from the start. The Tigers swarmed Alabama’s ball handlers, applying full-court pressure and making it difficult for the Crimson Tide to run their offense smoothly. Meanwhile, Alabama, under head coach Nate Oats, has become known for its up-tempo, fast-paced style, and they were eager to impose their will against their cross-state rivals.

The first half saw both teams exchange leads multiple times. Alabama’s offense was powered by the incredible shooting of Brandon Miller, who has emerged as one of the best players in college basketball this season. Miller, a top NBA prospect, showcased his scoring ability early on, knocking down several deep threes and helping Alabama build a small lead. However, Auburn refused to back down, led by Zep Jasper and K.D. Johnson, who provided strong defense and timely scoring for the Tigers.

As the first half progressed, it became clear that this would be a back-and-forth battle. Auburn found a way to control the tempo with their physical defense, while Alabama responded with fast breaks and offensive firepower. At halftime, Auburn held a slim 37-36 lead, setting the stage for an even more intense second half.

The Second Half: A Battle of Wills

The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. Early on, Auburn came out with renewed energy, extending their lead behind strong performances from Johni Broome and Allen Flanigan. Broome, Auburn’s talented forward, had an immediate impact, scoring efficiently in the paint and providing solid rebounding. The Tigers’ defense continued to stifle Alabama’s offense, forcing several turnovers and keeping the Crimson Tide from getting into their preferred rhythm.

But just when it seemed like Auburn might pull away, Alabama found its groove. The Crimson Tide responded with a series of clutch plays, led by Mark Sears, the senior transfer who had become Alabama’s emotional and offensive leader throughout the season. Sears showed his versatility by contributing in various ways—hitting timely shots, dishing out assists, and playing tenacious defense. His leadership kept Alabama within striking distance as the clock ticked down.

As the game entered the final minutes, it was clear that this would be a nail-biting finish. With both teams locked in a tight battle, every possession mattered. Brandon Miller, Alabama’s star, continued to showcase his scoring ability, hitting a pair of crucial three-pointers to keep the Tide in the game. Meanwhile, Auburn responded with its own moments of brilliance, including a key steal and fast-break dunk by Wendell Green Jr., which gave Auburn a 75-74 lead with just under 10 seconds remaining.

Mark Sears: The Hero of the Moment

With the game on the line and Alabama trailing by one point, it was up to Mark Sears to deliver. The crowd at Coleman Coliseum was on its feet, the tension palpable as the final seconds of the game ticked away. Alabama had one last possession, and it was clear that Sears would be the one to take the final shot.

After a timeout, Alabama set up a play that would give Sears the ball in his hands. The stage was set for a dramatic finish. As the shot clock wound down, Sears, with the poise of a seasoned veteran, began to drive to the basket. Auburn’s defense collapsed on him, but instead of forcing a contested layup, Sears pulled up at the top of the key and launched a jump shot with just 0.5 seconds left on the clock. The ball sailed through the air, and the entire arena held its breath.

Time seemed to slow down as the ball arced toward the basket. The shot came off Sears’ hand cleanly, and as it sailed through the air, the Alabama fans in attendance began to rise to their feet in anticipation. The ball hit the front of the rim, then bounced up… and dropped through the net.

Buzzer. Shot. Good. Alabama had won the game.

The crowd erupted in ecstasy as Sears was mobbed by his teammates. His clutch shot at the buzzer had delivered a 76-75 victory for Alabama, securing one of the most memorable moments of the season and sending the Alabama faithful into a frenzy. The Crimson Tide had completed the comeback and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a game that will be talked about for years to come.

Game Recap: Stats and Standouts

While Mark Sears played the role of hero with his buzzer-beater, it was a total team effort that made this victory possible for Alabama.

Brandon Miller, who has consistently been Alabama’s go-to player, finished with a team-high 24 points and made several key shots throughout the game, especially in the second half when the team needed him most. Miller’s combination of size, skill, and shooting ability made him a constant threat to Auburn’s defense, and he proved to be a key factor in the Tide’s comeback.

Mark Sears also played a critical role, finishing with 19 points, including the game-winning shot. He was incredibly efficient, shooting 7-for-13 from the field and contributing 5 assists along with several rebounds. Sears’s calm under pressure and ability to make plays in clutch moments were on full display, and he earned every bit of the spotlight after hitting the game-winner.

On the other side, Auburn received stellar performances from Zep Jasper and Johni Broome, who finished with 16 points and 18 points, respectively. Broome also grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 2 shots, playing solid defense throughout the game. Wendell Green Jr. was key in keeping Auburn in the game, scoring 14 points and providing leadership in the backcourt. Despite their efforts, Auburn’s inability to stop Alabama in the final moments—particularly Sears’s last-second shot—was their undoing.

The Rivalry Intensifies

This game was a perfect example of why rivalries like Alabama-Auburn are so special. The intensity, drama, and high stakes were palpable from start to finish. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, and the fact that it came down to a buzzer-beater only heightened the excitement.

For Alabama, this win is a statement that they are ready to compete with the best. The Crimson Tide have shown all season that they are a legitimate contender for the NCAA Tournament, and this win over a top-tier Auburn team only further solidifies their credentials.

As for Auburn, it was a tough loss, but one they can learn from. The Tigers have proven that they are one of the best teams in the SEC, and with players like Broome and Green leading the way, they will remain a force to be reckoned with moving forward. However, this loss will sting, especially after they came so close to pulling off the win on the road.

Looking Ahead: NCAA Tournament Implications

For both teams, the win-loss record in this rivalry game will have major implications for their NCAA Tournament seeding. With Alabama now solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the country, their championship hopes are very much alive. As the season heads toward March Madness, the Crimson Tide will be looking to build on this win and continue to improve their overall play, especially in clutch situations.

For Auburn, despite the loss, they remain firmly in the hunt for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers will look to regroup and make adjustments as they prepare for their remaining SEC schedule and beyond.

This thrilling 76-75 win by Alabama will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the 2025 season, and it will only add more fuel to the fire of one of college basketball’s most passionate rivalries.