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Unfolding end-game tip-in
New development: Purdue's Sweet 16 win hinged on a second-chance, game-ending tip-in rather than a conventional final shot.
“Kaufman-Renn tipped in a miss by Braden Smith with 0.7 seconds left, and the No. 2-seed Boilermakers edged hobbling Texas star Tramon Mark and the 11th-seeded Longhorns 79-77 on Thursday night in the Sweet 16.”
Kaufman-Renn tipped in a Braden Smith miss with 0.7 seconds left to beat Texas 79-77, a sequence ESPN frames as the culmination of Purdue's late-game persistence.
Texas had just tied on a Swain drive and a free-throw three-point play with 11.9 seconds remaining, forcing Purdue to convert under pressure.
The moment also reinforces Matt Painter's repeated reminder that it's often the "tip-ins at the end of games" that decide outcomes, not the first shot of a possession.
The play's execution became the defining new development of this game.
Planned final play design
The final sequence was not a fluke; it was a scripted, high-stakes test of Purdue's late-game design.
The play was fully designed for Braden Smith to drive and create a final shot, with Kaufman-Renn positioned for the potential follow, a detail USA Today emphasizes as the planned setup.
Indiana-based coverage corroborates that Purdue’s final shot of regulation was drawn up for Smith, reinforcing that the team trusted a specific opportunity rather than ad-libbing into overtime.
After the miss, Smith and the Boilermakers leaned on their chemistry—an element Kaufman-Renn highlighted when he credited their shared experience for delivering the play.
The sequence also illustrates Painter’s willingness to switch personnel in a clutch moment, moving Kaufman-Renn to center in Purdue’s small-ball lineup when Cluff fouled out.
Core Three, sustained momentum
Context matters: Purdue's late-season surge is anchored by a durable 'Core Three' that has bonded over four seasons, a dynamic many outlets point to as a central factor in the win.
“The Purdue Boilermakers have a 'Core Three' of Smith, Loyer and Kaufman-Renn who have been together for the last four seasons.”
CBS Sports emphasizes that the trio—Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Kaufman-Renn—has remained intact through core rotations, a rarity that underpins their late-game poise.
USA Today situates Purdue as a preseason No. 1 that found momentum after a stumble, winning the Big Ten tournament and riding that into a Sweet 16 bid that reflects sustained growth rather than a one-off run.
Sporting News frames the victory as part of Purdue’s ongoing pursuit of a deep March run, rooted in continuity and chemistry.
ESPN notes Renn's efficient start—going 6-for-6 to open the game on his way to 20 points—showing the trio’s complementary scoring punch.
Texas adversity and late push
Texas battled to the end despite injuries that constrained its depth.
Tramon Mark carried the Longhorns with 29 points, but he grimaced and hobbled through the closing minutes as the team fought to protect the lead.
Texas also faced lineup challenges, with Lassina Traoré unavailable and Pope and Mark both dealing with ankle issues, per Burnt Orange Nation.
Pope, a starter by circumstance, had been listed as a game-time decision and even started despite being listed otherwise.
After Swain's late and-1 tied the game, a desperate Texas heave by Pope rang out, only to hit the top of the backboard as Purdue clinched the win.
Next opponent and set path
Looking ahead, Purdue's victory sets up a clear path to the Final Four: the Boilermakers will meet the winner of Arizona vs. Arkansas in the Elite Eight, a matchup that analysts expect to be a marquee test for Painter's seasoned core.
“Purdue advanced to Elite Eight to face the winner between Arizona and Arkansas.”
USA Today notes Purdue has advanced to the Elite Eight to face the Arizona/Arkansas winner, signaling continued opportunities for depth and experience to drive another deep run.
CBS Sports emphasizes the looming challenge—the winner of No. 1 seed Arizona and No. 4 seed Arkansas awaits, with a potential trip to the Final Four on the line.
IndyStar adds that Purdue (30-8) will play the Arizona-Arkansas survivor in Indianapolis on Saturday for a Final Four berth.
The Big 1050 reiterates the regional-final framing, noting Purdue will face either Arizona or Arkansas on Saturday night.