Tennessee senior guard Jahmai Mashack broke down in tears after the Volunteers’ crushing Elite Eight loss to Houston on March 30, 2025. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mashack reflected on his four-year journey and the impact of head coach Rick Barnes.
Alongside teammate Zakai Zeigler, Mashack cemented his legacy at Tennessee but struggled to accept another heartbreaking exit. Watching Houston celebrate deepened the pain, marking the second straight year the Vols fell just short of their ultimate goal.
Tennessee’s Jahmai Mashack Breaks Down After Crushing Elite Eight Defeat
Jahmai Mashack’s college career ended in heartbreak as Tennessee fell 69-50 to Houston in the Elite Eight on March 30, 2025. The senior guard, known for his tenacity on both ends of the floor, finished with four points, five rebounds, and two steals in his final game for the Volunteers.
“I wanted to get there for him.”
Tennessee guard Jamai Mashack got emotional when talking about playing for Rick Barnes. pic.twitter.com/s2rvEGasCO
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 30, 2025
Alongside teammate Zakai Zeigler, Mashack helped lead Tennessee to four NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16s, and two Elite Eight finishes. A four-star recruit, he departs as one of the best perimeter defenders in the nation.
Overcome with emotion in the postgame press conference, Mashack reflected on his journey and the impact of head coach Rick Barnes.
“I just care about shining a light on this guy right here (Barnes),” he said. “Shining a light on these two right here (Zeigler and Jordan Gainey) because I’ve seen them put in so much work. I’ve seen Coach Barnes be the most consistent person every time, even though we get into it. Even though it seems like we don’t want to talk to each other anymore, we get right back to practice, we get right back to coaching.”
Mashack’s disappointment stemmed not just from the loss but from missing out on a Final Four appearance for Barnes and Tennessee fans.
“But I wanted to get there for him. I really wanted people to realize how good of a coach he is,” he said. “I wanted to get there for Vol fans, man. I wanted them to have something they could be proud of.”
KEEP READING: March Madness Fun Facts: Surprising Stats and Records You Need To Know
The Volunteers struggled offensively, recording the lowest first-half point total in an Elite Eight game since 1979. Star guards Chaz Lanier and Zeigler combined to shoot just 5-for-27 from the field and 3-for-18 from three-point range.
Despite the loss, Barnes praised his players’ dedication.
“They know I would love to win a national championship, but they have absolutely not one thing to hang their head down or be sorry about,” he said. “They gave their all for Tennessee in more ways than you can imagine.”
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
