Purdue Nips Texas at the Buzzer to Punch Elite Eight Ticket

Purdue held off Texas 79-77 on a late tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn after Braden Smith’s near-miss, sending the Boilermakers to the Elite Eight for the second time in three seasons. Loyer started hot for Purdue with 18 points amid a cold shooting night from deep (4-of-20 as a team), while Texas’ Tramon Mark exploded for 29 points. CJ Cox contributed 10 points and eight rebounds after a game-time decision, and Purdue’s defense clamped down late to secure the win as Cluff fouled out with 11 seconds remaining. Purdue will face the winner of Arizona-Arkansas in the upcoming Elite Eight.