Purdue Edges Texas with Late Tip-In, Advances to Elite Eight

Veteran Boilermakers show poise and experience in clutch win over Longhorns

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the final seconds of the Purdue-Texas basketball game, with fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in Purdue's gold and black, and Texas' burnt orange, capturing the intensity and drama of the game-winning play.Purdue's veteran poise and experience shine through in a dramatic, last-second victory over Texas to reach the Elite Eight.San Jose Today

In a tight Sweet 16 matchup, Purdue's senior-led squad overcame a late Texas rally and a near-game-winner by the Longhorns, with Trey Kaufman-Renn's tip-in in the final seconds sending the Boilermakers to the Elite Eight.

Why it matters

Purdue's gritty, experienced team proved it can win in high-pressure moments, suggesting the Boilermakers' veteran leadership and composure under duress could carry them deeper into the NCAA Tournament against top competition.

The details

With the game tied in the final seconds, Purdue's Braden Smith missed a potential game-winning shot, but Trey Kaufman-Renn was there for the tip-in with 0.7 seconds left to give the Boilermakers the victory. The sequence highlighted Purdue's ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities and maintain poise when the game was on the line, rather than relying solely on hot shooting.

  • Purdue led Texas for most of the game, but the Longhorns rallied late to tie it in the final seconds.
  • With the game tied, Braden Smith missed a potential game-winner for Purdue with under 10 seconds left.
  • Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped in the miss with 0.7 seconds remaining to give Purdue the victory.

The players

Trey Kaufman-Renn

A senior forward for Purdue who made the game-winning tip-in in the final seconds to send the Boilermakers to the Elite Eight.

Braden Smith

Purdue's senior point guard who missed a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds, but whose miss led to Kaufman-Renn's tip-in.

Purdue Boilermakers

The veteran, senior-led Purdue squad that proved its resilience and composure in a tight Sweet 16 victory over Texas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Purdue will face top-seeded Arizona in the Elite Eight, with the veteran Boilermakers looking to continue their gritty, composed play against another tough opponent.

The takeaway

Purdue's Sweet 16 victory showcased the value of veteran leadership and composure in high-pressure moments, suggesting the Boilermakers' experienced squad could be a force to be reckoned with as they advance deeper into the NCAA Tournament.