Dramatic overtime buzzer-beaters by Alabama and St. John’s set the stage for March Madness

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Alabama Crimson Tide guard Mark Sears celebrates after making the game winning shot to beat the Auburn Tigers in overtime. – John Reed/Imagn/Reuters

The most wonderful time of year for college basketball fans is almost upon us and Saturday’s hoops action served as a timely reminder of the March Madness chaos that awaits.

In a jam-packed night of basketball, both Alabama and St. John’s took wins in their final regular season games in dramatic style, sealing victory with overtime buzzer-beaters.

No. 7 Alabama condemned archrival No. 1 Auburn to its second loss of the week, and in the most heartbreaking fashion possible.

It was a back and forth game between the in-state rivals before Johni Broome tied the game with just under a minute left in regulation.

Neither team could find the winning score in that minute and the game went to overtime.

With the game still tied and the final seconds ticking away, Alabama’s senior guard Mark Sears hit a runner from the free throw line to deliver the 93-91 win for the Crimson Tide at the buzzer.

Sears of the Alabama Crimson Tide makes the basket at the buzzer to defeat the Auburn Tigers. – Stew Milne/Getty Images

No. 6 St. John’s Red Storm have been one of the stories of the season and added to their brilliant year so far with the big win over No. 20 Marquette on Saturday.

The game was tight throughout with the Golden Eagles showing they’ll be a team to reckon with in the Big Dance.

But a resurgent St. John’s, led by head coach Rick Pitino, showed the resolve that has brought the Red Storm to the top of the Big East.

St John’s trailed in the final seconds of regulation before a lay-up from RJ Luis Jr. tied the game to force overtime.

Overtime continued to follow a similar pattern and with the scores level and time running out, St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor picked up a loose ball and scored the crucial bucket to give the Red Storm the win at the buzzer.

“There’s not a whole lot to say except wow,” Pitino told reporters postgame….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dramatic-overtime-buzzer-beaters-alabama-124644464.html

Author : CNN

Publish date : 2025-03-09 12:46:00

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