Reactions on social media following Alabama’s overtime victory over Auburn and Mark Sears’ buzzer-beater

In college basketball, few moments have the power to leave fans, players, and coaches in awe like a buzzer-beater that determines the outcome of a game. On March 9, 2025, the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers played out an unforgettable SEC showdown that ended in dramatic fashion. Alabama’s Mark Sears hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in overtime, securing a 92-90 victory for the Crimson Tide over their in-state rivals, the Auburn Tigers. The game was a thrilling contest that saw both teams battle it out until the very last moment, with Sears’ clutch shot sending fans and players into a frenzy.

As expected, reactions on social media were immediate, intense, and emotional. From Alabama fans celebrating the dramatic win to Auburn fans lamenting the tough defeat, the game and Sears’ game-winning shot dominated discussions across various platforms, with hashtags, memes, and commentary flooding social media feeds. Let’s take a closer look at the emotional reactions that followed the game, how players, fans, analysts, and coaches expressed themselves on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and how this electrifying moment became the talk of the college basketball world.

The Moment of Glory: Mark Sears’ Buzzer-Beater

The game had been an absolute rollercoaster, with both teams trading baskets and momentum throughout regulation and overtime. After a thrilling back-and-forth affair, Alabama and Auburn found themselves tied with just a few seconds remaining in overtime. With the clock ticking down, the ball found its way into the hands of Mark Sears, who had been a key contributor for the Crimson Tide throughout the game.

Sears, calm under pressure, sized up his defender as he dribbled toward the top of the key. As time slipped away, he made his move, launching a contested three-pointer at the buzzer. The ball sailed through the air, hitting nothing but net as the final horn sounded, securing Alabama’s 92-90 victory in one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

For Alabama, it was a huge win that not only gave them a thrilling victory over a top-tier rival but also solidified their position in the SEC standings and enhanced their NCAA Tournament résumé. For Auburn, it was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after such a competitive and hard-fought game. Nevertheless, the basketball world was buzzing, and the game became one of the most talked-about moments in college hoops that week.

Social Media Reactions: The Tide Rolls and the Tigers Roar

Alabama Fans Celebrate Mark Sears’ Heroics

As soon as Mark Sears’ buzzer-beater swished through the net, Alabama fans took to social media to express their elation. On Twitter, #BamaNation and #RollTide trended for hours as fans posted videos, gifs, and photos celebrating the incredible win. Many fans tweeted their disbelief and awe at Sears’ clutch performance, with some even calling it “one of the greatest shots in Alabama basketball history.”

Alabama’s official basketball Twitter account (@AlabamaMBB) shared a post that simply read, “That’s how we do it. #BamaBasketball #RollTide” with a video clip of Sears’ buzzer-beater. The post garnered thousands of retweets and likes within minutes, quickly going viral among the Crimson Tide faithful.

One fan, @BamaFanForever, tweeted, “I can’t believe Mark Sears just hit that shot. My heart is still racing!! That’s SEC basketball at its finest! #BamaNation #RollTide”

Another fan posted a video of the final shot, captioning it: “Mark Sears, you are a LEGEND! That was a cold-blooded shot! #RollTide #BuzzerBeater”

The Alabama basketball program’s social media also posted a montage of Sears’ game-winning shot, including slow-motion replays and footage of the crowd erupting in celebration. The post received tens of thousands of likes, and the comment section was flooded with congratulatory messages from fans and former Alabama players alike.

Auburn Fans Mourn the Heartbreaking Defeat

On the other side of the rivalry, Auburn fans expressed their heartbreak and frustration following the stunning loss. Auburn’s Twitter feed, which had been filled with excitement leading up to the game, quickly turned to disappointment as fans posted their reactions to the buzzer-beater.

Many Auburn fans vented their anger and sadness on Twitter, with some focusing on the missed opportunities during regulation and overtime that led to the heartbreaking loss. Others couldn’t help but focus on the drama of the moment itself—the fact that their team had fought tooth and nail only to fall short at the last second.

@WarEagleNation, a prominent Auburn fan account, tweeted: “This one stings. Auburn played their hearts out, but that Sears shot… ouch. #AuburnFamily #WarEagle”

Another Auburn fan, @TigerPride2025, shared: “Mark Sears just broke my heart. We had this game. Tough loss, but we’ll bounce back. #WarEagle”

One of the most emotional responses came from @AuburnFans4Life, who posted a video of Auburn’s bench after the buzzer sounded, showing the dejected faces of players and coaches. The tweet read: “Pain. Auburn left it all on the court, but sometimes the game isn’t kind. Still proud of this team. #WarEagle”

However, even in defeat, Auburn fans remained supportive of their team, expressing optimism for the future. Many fans pointed out the heart and resilience shown by the Tigers throughout the game, and while the loss was hard to stomach, the overwhelming consensus was that Auburn would learn from the experience and keep pushing forward.

Media and Analyst Reactions

As the final buzzer sounded and the shockwaves of Sears’ game-winner rippled through social media, basketball analysts and commentators also shared their reactions to the game’s thrilling conclusion. On ESPN, sports personalities like Jay Bilas, Dick Vitale, and Rece Davis weighed in with praise for both teams. Bilas, a former Duke player and longtime college basketball analyst, tweeted: “What a game. Mark Sears’ shot will be remembered for a long time. Auburn fought hard, but Alabama was destined for this moment.”

Dick Vitale also shared his thoughts: “This was an SEC CLASSIC! Mark Sears is a star. Auburn can hold their heads high, but tonight was Alabama’s night.”

On CBS Sports, Gary Parrish wrote a post-game article highlighting the significance of the buzzer-beater and its impact on Alabama’s standing. He noted, “In a season filled with parity, moments like this remind us of why we love March basketball. Sears’ clutch shot is the stuff of legends.”

On Instagram, Alabama basketball shared the iconic video of Sears’ buzzer-beater, with a caption that read: “The moment of the year. Mark Sears, take a bow. #RollTide.” The video clip quickly amassed over 200,000 views, with thousands of fans from all over the country commenting on the post.

The reactions from media personalities highlighted the gravity of the moment. It was clear that the dramatic finish had captured the attention of college basketball fans far and wide, with discussions around the game flooding online platforms. Many analysts praised both teams for their efforts, noting that the SEC is as competitive as ever and that Alabama’s win further cemented their place as one of the nation’s elite programs.

The National Impact: Hashtags and Memes

Of course, no major college basketball moment is complete without its fair share of memes and hashtags. Within hours of the game’s conclusion, social media users had already begun creating memes and GIFs highlighting both the jubilation of Alabama fans and the devastation of Auburn fans. Mark Sears’ game-winning shot became a central theme for many of these, with humorous and exaggerated reactions from both fanbases flooding platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Some fans used memes to express their disbelief, while others created humorous responses poking fun at Auburn’s tough luck. One popular meme on Twitter showed a picture of a devastated Auburn fan captioned: “When you think you’ve won the game and then Mark Sears happens.”

On the flip side, Alabama fans had their own memes celebrating the win, including one that featured a close-up of Sears’ shot with the caption: “Mark Sears when he realized he just put Auburn to bed.” The meme quickly went viral, gaining traction with fans from across the college basketball landscape.

A Buzzer-Beater for the Ages

The overtime victory by Alabama over Auburn and Mark Sears’ dramatic buzzer-beater to seal the win will be remembered as one of the most thrilling moments of the 2025 college basketball season. As fans and players processed the emotional aftermath, social media reactions captured the full spectrum of the game’s impact—exhilaration for Alabama, heartbreak for Auburn, and excitement for college basketball enthusiasts everywhere.

Mark Sears’ shot was more than just a game-winner; it was a statement to the world of college basketball about the unpredictable and electrifying nature of the sport. For Alabama, it was a moment to cherish and celebrate, while for Auburn, it was a tough but valuable lesson in resilience and overcoming adversity.

As the season continues, this game will undoubtedly be a talking point, with fans, analysts, and players reflecting on the intensity of this SEC rivalry and the unforgettable finish that had everyone talking.