Alabama Edges Tennessee in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 6:10 PM ET · Food City Center
Alabama Crimson Tide 71, Tennessee Volunteers 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Alabama Crimson Tide beat Tennessee Volunteers 71-69 at Food City Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Alabama Crimson Tide vs Tennessee Volunteers?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The underdog won.
The Alabama Crimson Tide secured a narrow victory over the Tennessee Volunteers, winning 71-69 in a closely contested matchup at the Food City Center. This game was significant as it showcased the intense rivalry between these two SEC teams, with Alabama managing to even the score in their season series after losing to Tennessee earlier this year.
In terms of recent form, both teams entered this game with impressive records. The Volunteers had an overall record of 20-9 and were 8-2 in their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak following a defeat to the Missouri Tigers. Tennessee averaged 77.0 points scored per game while allowing 69.8 points over their last ten outings. At home, they had a strong record of 4-0 in their last four games, but their recent loss put a damper on their momentum.
On the other hand, Alabama brought a record of 22-7 into the contest and was riding a seven-game winning streak. The Crimson Tide had been dominant, averaging 92.5 points per game while allowing 85.4 points during their last ten games. They were particularly strong on the road, with a 3-1 record in away games during that stretch, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
The two teams had met previously this season on January 25, where Tennessee emerged victorious with a score of 79-73. This latest encounter added another thrilling chapter to their rivalry, with Alabama now holding a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head matchups for the current season.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but injuries can often impact team performance in high-stakes games like this.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Tennessee favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 162.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the contest.
The game conditions were typical for a late February evening in Tennessee, with the atmosphere charged as fans filled the arena to support their teams. Viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination, with key moments including a late surge from Labaron Philon Jr., who scored crucial points to help Alabama clinch the win.
As the game unfolded, the scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest. Philon Jr. made several key baskets in the second half, including a driving layup that tied the game at 67-67. J.P. Estrella contributed with a turnaround jump shot that briefly gave Tennessee the lead, but Alabama responded with a clutch 13-foot jumper from Philon Jr. to seal the victory.
In conclusion, Alabama's win over Tennessee not only showcased their offensive prowess but also their resilience in a challenging environment. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -5.5 | 162.5 o -112 / u -108 | Alabama Crimson Tide +210 · Tennessee Volunteers -258 |
Leaders
- PointsJa'Kobi Gillespie26Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie7Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsJaylen Carey9Tennessee Volunteers
- PointsLatrell Wrightsell Jr.25Alabama Crimson Tide
- AssistsLabaron Philon Jr.2Alabama Crimson Tide
- ReboundsAiden Sherrell8Alabama Crimson Tide
Recent form
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 8-2Streak L177 scored · 69.8 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L69-73at Missouri TigersFeb 25
- W69-65at Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 21
- W89-66vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 19
- W73-63vs LSU TigersFeb 14
- W73-64at Mississippi State BulldogsFeb 12
- L71-74at Kentucky WildcatsFeb 8
- W84-66vs Ole Miss RebelsFeb 4
- W77-69vs Auburn TigersFeb 1
- W86-85at Georgia BulldogsJan 29
- W79-73at Alabama Crimson TideJan 25
Alabama Crimson Tide
Last 10: 8-2Streak W792.5 scored · 85.4 allowed per game3-1 away
- W100-75vs Mississippi State BulldogsFeb 26
- W90-83at LSU TigersFeb 21
- W117-115vs Arkansas RazorbacksFeb 19
- W89-75vs South Carolina GamecocksFeb 15
- W93-74at Ole Miss RebelsFeb 12
- W96-92at Auburn TigersFeb 7
- W100-97vs Texas A&M AggiesFeb 5
- L77-100at Florida GatorsFeb 1
- W90-64vs Missouri TigersJan 28
- L73-79vs Tennessee VolunteersJan 25
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Alabama Crimson Tide | Tennessee Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-56 | 30-78 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 10-27 | 4-18 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 22 |
| Free throws | 11-13 | 5-8 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 25 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 22 |
| Assists | 8 | 13 |
| Steals | 3 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 40 |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 1 | 92 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-40Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-40Aden Holloway makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half34-40Aden Holloway makes 27-foot three point jumper (Latrell Wrightsell assists)
- 2nd Half34-42Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half36-42Amari Allen makes layup
- 2nd Half36-44Nate Ament makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half39-44Latrell Wrightsell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Labaron Philon Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half40-44Latrell Wrightsell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half40-46Jaylen Carey makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half40-48J.P. Estrella makes layup (Felix Okpara assists)
- 2nd Half40-50Felix Okpara makes 6-foot jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half41-50Aiden Sherrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-50Aiden Sherrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-51Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-53Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half42-55J.P. Estrella makes layup (Amari Evans assists)
- 2nd Half44-55Latrell Wrightsell makes layup
- 2nd Half45-55Latrell Wrightsell makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half46-55Latrell Wrightsell makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half46-57Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half48-57Labaron Philon Jr. makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half48-59Jaylen Carey makes layup (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half51-59Latrell Wrightsell makes 22-foot three point jumper (London Jemison assists)
- 2nd Half53-59Aden Holloway makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half53-60Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-61Labaron Philon Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-63Amari Evans makes driving layup (Felix Okpara assists)
- 2nd Half57-63Labaron Philon Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half58-63Labaron Philon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-63Latrell Wrightsell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Aden Holloway assists)
- 2nd Half61-65Felix Okpara makes layup (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half61-67Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes layup
- 2nd Half63-67Labaron Philon Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half64-67Labaron Philon Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-67Labaron Philon Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-67Labaron Philon Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-69J.P. Estrella makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half69-69Aden Holloway makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half71-69Labaron Philon Jr. makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Tennessee Volunteers, below favours Alabama Crimson Tide.
Venue
- Food City CenterKnoxville, TN
- Attendance21678
- OfficialsDon Daily, Vladimir Voyard-Tadal, Lucas Santos
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond