Purdue Survives Thriller Against Texas, Advances to Elite Eight

Boilermakers hold on for 79-77 win, move one step closer to Final Four

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:20am

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In a nail-biting NCAA Tournament matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers defeated the Texas Longhorns 79-77 to advance to the Elite Eight. The game came down to the wire, with Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn making crucial plays to secure the victory for the Boilermakers.

Why it matters

Purdue's win keeps their national championship hopes alive as they move one step closer to the Final Four. The Boilermakers have now reached the Elite Eight for the third time in the last eight years, showcasing the program's consistent success under head coach Matt Painter.

The details

Despite Texas' best efforts, with Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope playing through injuries, Purdue was able to hold on for the narrow victory. The Boilermakers got strong performances from their starters, led by Fletcher Loyer's 3-point shooting. However, Purdue struggled from beyond the arc as a team, going just 2-for-18 after Loyer's early makes. Trey Kaufman-Renn's rebounding and interior play proved to be the difference, as he helped Purdue overcome the foul trouble of Matas Vokietaitas.

  • Purdue and Texas played an intense, back-and-forth game for the entire second half, with the outcome in doubt until the final seconds.

The players

Trey Kaufman-Renn

A key contributor for Purdue throughout the season, Kaufman-Renn stepped up with a dominant performance on the boards and in the paint to help the Boilermakers secure the victory.

Fletcher Loyer

Purdue's sharp-shooting guard, Loyer hit several key 3-pointers early to give the Boilermakers an offensive boost, though the team struggled from deep overall.

Tramon Mark

The Texas guard played through an injury to put forth a strong effort, nearly leading the Longhorns to an upset win over Purdue.

Jordan Pope

Another Texas player battling through an injury, Pope also had a standout performance in the narrow defeat against the Boilermakers.

Matt Painter

Purdue's head coach has now led the Boilermakers to the Elite Eight for the third time in the last eight seasons, showcasing the program's consistent success under his leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Every win is beautiful, especially in the tournament.”

— Travis Miller, Author

What’s next

Purdue will face the winner of the game between San Diego State and Creighton in the Elite Eight on Saturday, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

The takeaway

Purdue's gritty win over Texas showcases the Boilermakers' resilience and ability to win close games, even when their shots aren't falling. The team's depth and balanced scoring attack have been key to their success throughout the tournament, and they now have a chance to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2019.