#purdue

Purdue vs Texas basketball highlights: Boilermakers edge Longhorns in Sweet 16 Texas' dream of advancing from the First Four to the Final Four ended in heartbreak, as Purdue secured a dramatic 79-77 victory over the Longhorns in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 26. The Boilermakers’ win, decided by a last-second tip-in from Trey Kaufman-Renn, propelled them to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of Arizona and Arkansas. Kaufman-Renn, who finished with a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds, delivered the game-winning play with 0.7 seconds remaining. He tipped in a missed layup by Braden Smith, breaking a 78-78 tie. The Boilermakers’ victory marked their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five seasons, following a late-season slump that saw them go 2-4 in their final regular-season games. Coach Matt Painter’s team has since won seven consecutive games, including a Big Ten tournament title. Texas, led by Tramon Mark’s 29 points, struggled to contain Purdue’s dynamic offense. Mark, who made 11 of 15 shots despite an injured ankle, carried the Longhorns for much of the game. However, Purdue’s combination of Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, who added 18 points, proved too much. The Boilermakers’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and defensive stops was critical, particularly in the final minutes. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads throughout. At the final media timeout of regulation, Purdue and Texas were tied at 70 with 3:56 remaining. Texas held a narrow 65-63 lead in the third quarter, but Purdue’s relentless scoring and clutch plays in the final minutes shifted momentum. Injuries also played a role in the outcome. Texas’ Jordan Pope, who had been listed as questionable due to an ankle injury from their second-round win over Gonzaga, was on the court but not among the starters.#texas #purdue #braden_smith #tramon_mark #trey_kaufmanrenn

Trey Kaufman-Renn’s last-second putback gives Purdue victory over Texas, advances to Elite 8 Purdue’s No. 2 seed Boilermakers secured a thrilling 79-77 win over 11th-seeded Texas in the Sweet 16, sending them to the Elite Eight with a dramatic final play. The game remained tightly contested throughout, with Texas closing the gap in the final moments. With 11 seconds remaining, Texas’ Dailyn Swain scored and was fouled, tying the game at 77. Purdue retained possession and turned to guard Braden Smith, who drove to the basket but missed the potential game-winning shot. Fortunately for Purdue, Kaufman-Renn was positioned to grab the rebound and immediately score a putback, giving his team a 78-77 lead with 0.7 seconds left. Texas had no time to respond, as the buzzer sounded, sealing Purdue’s victory. The win marks a significant milestone for Purdue, continuing their strong performance in the NCAA tournament. Kaufman-Renn was instrumental in the victory, finishing with a team-high 20 points. His clutch play in the final seconds underscored his importance to the Boilermakers’ success. The Boilermakers will now face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 Arizona and No. 4 Arkansas in the Elite Eight, with a potential trip to the Final Four on the line. The game’s intensity and last-minute drama highlighted the unpredictability of the tournament. Purdue’s ability to capitalize on critical moments, particularly in the final seconds, proved decisive. While Texas’ efforts to rally were commendable, Purdue’s resilience and execution in high-pressure situations secured their advancement. The result also emphasizes the competitive nature of the tournament, where underdog teams can challenge higher-seeded opponents. As Purdue moves closer to the Final Four, the focus will shift to preparing for their next challenge.#purdue #braden_smith #trey_kaufmanrenn #sweet_16 #dailyn_swain

NCAA Tournament 2026 Probabilities: Selecting All Elite Eight Games, Including a Trio of Top Seeds The NCAA Tournament may not be as unpredictable as last year, when the top four seeds reached the Final Four, but it remains a fiercely competitive event. While there have been some surprises this season, the path to the Elite Eight still holds the potential for three top seeds to advance to the Final Four. These three teams are currently considered favorites for this weekend’s matchups. Whether the tournament will continue to deliver chaos or follow a more predictable pattern remains to be seen. Here are the selections for the Elite Eight games, as outlined by BetMGM’s betting odds: Illinois (-6.5) over Iowa Illinois’ victory over Houston, the second-seeded team from their region, sets up a showdown against the ninth-seeded team, marking the first time the Fighting Illini have reached the Final Four since 2005. Illinois is a formidable squad, capable of finishing as high as first place, despite finishing second in their conference. The team has endured four overtime losses in their first nine NCAA Tournament games, yet they boast an efficient offense and a potential NBA lottery pick in freshman guard Keaton Wagler. While Iowa, the ninth seed, is a tough opponent, Illinois’ size and shooting accuracy—hitting 62.1% of their three-point attempts—gave them an edge in their previous matchup. Iowa’s recent strong performance, including a comeback win over Nebraska, does not diminish Illinois’ status as the superior team in this matchup. Arizona (-6.5) over Purdue Arizona has dominated the NCAA Tournament this season, defeating opponents by margins of 34, 12, and 21 points. Their Sweet 16 victory over Arkansas was particularly impressive, as they shot 37 of 58 field goals (64%) against the Razorbacks.#arizona #illinois #iowa #purdue #ncaa_tournament_2026

Purdue Faces Arizona in Elite Eight Clash Purdue will take on Arizona in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA tournament on Saturday, March 28, with the game scheduled to start at 8:49 p.m. ET. The matchup will be broadcast on TBS and truTV, with commentators Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, and Allie LaForce providing coverage. A victory for the Boilermakers would secure their place in the Final Four, set to take place in Indianapolis the following weekend. The two teams have a history of competition, with their most recent meeting occurring at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 16, 2023, during the Indy Classic. Purdue emerged victorious in that contest, defeating Arizona 92-84. The Wildcats, who advanced to the National Championship Game that year, will now face the Boilermakers in a rematch with significant stakes. Purdue’s dominance over Arizona in recent years has been notable, with the Boilermakers securing three consecutive wins against the Wildcats. These victories occurred in 2007, 2017, and 2023, showcasing a consistent edge in their matchups. The 2023 game, played in Indianapolis, marked the latest chapter in this rivalry, with Purdue’s success continuing to shape their path to the Elite Eight. Purdue’s journey to the Elite Eight was defined by a thrilling Sweet 16 showdown against Texas. The game, which came down to the final seconds, saw the Boilermakers overcome a 77-77 tie with 11.9 seconds remaining. Senior guard Braden Smith initially took the final shot, but it missed. However, forward Trey Kaufman-Renn secured the rebound and tipped the ball into the basket with 0.7 seconds left, sealing a 79-77 victory. The Boilermakers’ path to the Sweet 16 included dominant performances in the first two rounds. They defeated Queens 104-71 in the opening round, showcasing their offensive firepower.#indianapolis #arizona #purdue #elite_eight #brian_anderson

Arizona advances to Elite Eight after defeating Arkansas March 27, 2026, 12:24 a.m. ET The No. 1 seed Arizona Wildcats secured a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2015 by defeating No. 4 seed Arkansas in the West regional semifinals. The victory sets up a high-stakes matchup against No. 2 seed Purdue in the regional final, which will take place at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, on Saturday, March 28. Arizona’s Elite Eight appearance marks their return to the tournament’s later rounds after a strong performance in the Big 12 tournament. The Wildcats’ path to the Elite Eight was highlighted by a dominant display against Arkansas, where they built an early lead and maintained control throughout the game. Arizona’s balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity helped them overcome the challenge, with the team hitting key shots in the final minutes to secure the win. The victory also marks the first time since 2015 that Arizona has reached the Elite Eight, a milestone that underscores their resurgence in the NCAA Tournament. Purdue, the No. 2 seed, advanced to the regional final after a dramatic overtime win over No. 11 seed Texas. The Boilermakers’ resilience in the final moments of their game showcased their ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Arizona. The two teams will face off in the West regional final, with the winner advancing to the Final Four. Tickets for the Arizona vs. Purdue Elite Eight matchup are still available, with prices starting at $193. The game is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, at 8:49 p.m. ET at the SAP Center in San Jose. Fans looking to secure seats should act quickly, as limited tickets remain for the highly anticipated contest.#arkansas #purdue #march_madness #arizona_wildcats #sap_center

Purdue basketball advances to the Elite Eight after a thrilling Sweet 16 victory March 26, 2026 Purdue’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 79-77 win over 11-seed Texas in the Sweet 16 round of March Madness, advancing to the Elite Eight. The Boilermakers overcame a shaky 3-point shooting performance to edge out the Longhorns in a tightly contested game at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. A crucial tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn sealed the victory after Braden Smith’s drive missed the rim, giving Purdue the lead. Fletcher Loyer led the way for Purdue, hitting four of his first eight 3-point attempts, while the rest of the team struggled from beyond the arc, going 0 for 12. This allowed Texas’ Tramon Mark to thrive, scoring a game-high 29 points on 15 shots. Despite the Longhorns’ hot shooting, Purdue’s defense and clutch plays kept them in the game. The Boilermakers’ senior-laden squad, now 30-8, will face Arizona in the Elite Eight, continuing their seven-game winning streak. All five scorers reached double figures in the victory. Purdue’s next game will be against Arizona in the Elite Eight, set for Saturday, March 28, at 8:49 p.m. ET. The matchup will be broadcast on TBS and truTV, with analysts Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, and sideline reporter Allie LaForce calling the action. Fans can stream the game via Fubo. Tickets for the Purdue vs. Arizona Elite Eight game are available on StubHub, starting at $183. The Boilermakers’ journey to the Elite Eight highlights their resilience, as they continue to build on their Big Ten title success.#texas #purdue #sap_center #braden_smith #trey_kaufman_renn

Oscar Cluff has emerged as a key player for Purdue as the second-seeded Boilermakers aim for a third consecutive Sweet 16 berth. After navigating a challenging Big Ten regular season and overcoming a head cold that limited his minutes, Cluff has regained his form, delivering a standout performance in Friday’s NCAA tournament opener against Queens. His ability to combine scoring, rebounding, and playmaking has positioned Purdue for a strong postseason run. Cluff’s recent game against Queens showcased his versatility, as he recorded nine points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. His contributions were critical in Purdue’s 104-71 victory, which advanced the team to the second round. However, the Boilermakers face a tougher challenge in Sunday’s matchup against No. 7 seed Miami (Fla.), a team that presents a step-up in competition compared to Queens. The Hurricanes’ physicality and rebounding prowess, highlighted by their 46-30 edge over Missouri in the first round, will test Purdue’s ability to control the paint. Cluff’s performance has been a focal point of Purdue’s success. In his last six games, he has scored double figures five times, including a dominant stretch during the Big Ten tournament where he partnered with Trey Kaufman-Renn to dominate the interior. Assistant coach Brandon Brantley noted that escaping the grueling regular-season schedule allowed Cluff to return to his early-season rhythm. “It’s a swamp,” Brantley said, describing the conference grind. “Now he has a little bit more spring in his step.” Cluff’s recent efficiency has been impressive: he averages 15.6 points and 9.8 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field. His ability to contribute at the free-throw line—hitting 20 of 28 attempts—and his role as a playmaker have also been vital.#purdue #trey_kaufmanrenn #oscar_cluff #brandon_brantley #matt_painter

Purdue basketball's defense is now a March Madness weapon ST. LOUIS — Purdue basketball's offense has long been a strength, capable of scoring against any opponent. The Boilermakers, ranked No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency, knew they couldn’t rely solely on their scoring prowess to make a deep March Madness run. A 97-93 loss to Wisconsin at the end of the regular season and a 47-point second-half performance by Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament opener exposed a glaring weakness: the team’s inability to guard elite competition. Fifth-year senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn acknowledged the humbling reality. “The good Lord humbles you. You feel like you’re a really good team and then you play teams and they beat you,” he said. “It’s like, hey, we’re scoring the ball really well. We just can’t guard anybody. At some point, whether it’s in the middle of the season or the Big Ten Conference tournament, you realize if you don’t fix those issues, you’re going home. When that hits you, it hits different.” While Purdue’s offense was enough to beat an average Northwestern team, the same defensive struggles against Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal likely would have altered the Boilermakers’ NCAA Tournament path. Instead, Purdue delivered one of its best defensive performances of the season, holding Nebraska to 58 points on 39.3% shooting. This marked the start of a four-day run in the Big Ten Tournament, with the team’s defense becoming the driving force rather than its offense. The defining moment came in the title game, where Purdue defeated Michigan with a strong defensive effort. Senior guard Fletcher Loyer emphasized the importance of maintaining that level of play.#purdue #trey_kaufmanrenn #fletcher_loyer #antione_west #paul_lusk

The field thins but the Madness continues; remaining teams settle in after Round 1 ST. LOUIS – The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s first round concluded with 68 teams eliminated, leaving 32 to advance. The bracket saw a lack of upsets, with higher seeds dominating most games. Of the 32 first-round matchups, 24 were won by the top-ranked teams, and only four of the eight lower seeds (8 vs. 9 seeds) advanced. The average margin of victory was 19.7 points, with only five games decided by single digits. Despite the lack of drama, standout moments emerged, including a thrilling overtime finish between Kentucky and Santa Clara, where the Wildcats survived a late surge by the Broncos. Notable performances included Connecticut’s Tarris Reed Jr., who recorded a rare 31-point, 27-rebound double-double against Furman, marking the first 30-25 stat line in NCAA Tournament history in 58 years. Reed, reflecting on his final March Madness, emphasized his focus on dominance. Meanwhile, Purdue guard Braden Smith broke Bobby Hurley’s all-time assist record with his 1,077th assist, a one-handed bounce pass to Trey Kaufman-Renn. Smith credited his teammates for his success, while Kaufman-Renn highlighted the bond between the duo over the years. Other highlights included Kansas’ Darryn Peterson scoring 28 points in a game where the Jayhawks overcame a 26-point deficit against California Baptist. Virginia’s 18 lead changes in a win over Wright State and UCLA’s walk-on player retrieving Skyy Clark’s lost tooth during a game against UCF added quirky moments. The tournament also saw the end of Cinderella stories, as Miami and Akron fell to higher-seeded teams, though their runs were praised for their resilience. Upcoming matchups promise intrigue, with No.#purdue #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #st_louis #kentucky #santa_clara

Purdue basketball is positioned as a strong contender for the 2026 NCAA Tournament after a successful Big Ten Tournament run, where they secured a four-game winning streak to claim the conference championship. The Boilermakers' victory over top-seeded Michigan in the tournament finale has elevated their status, moving them from a projected No. 3 or 4 seed to a No. 2 seed in the West Regional bracket. This marks a significant shift in their tournament outlook, with ESPN analyst Jay Bilas offering insights into their potential performance. Purdue’s NCAA Tournament opener is set for Friday, March 20, 2026, against No. 15 seed Queens. The game will take place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, with a start time of 7:35 p.m. ET. The Boilermakers’ seeding as a No. 2 seed places them in a favorable position to advance, though their path will depend on their performance against Queens and subsequent matchups. Bilas, who has consistently praised Purdue’s talent and depth, believes the team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. The Boilermakers’ recent success in the Big Ten Tournament has bolstered their reputation as a legitimate title contender. Their ability to defeat top-seeded Michigan, a team with a strong national profile, has drawn attention from national experts. CBS analyst Clark Kellogg has also highlighted Purdue’s strengths, particularly their balanced scoring and defensive resilience. These factors, combined with their improved seeding, position Purdue as a team to watch in the 2026 March Madness tournament. The tournament schedule for Purdue includes a critical first-round matchup against Queens, a team that will be a tough opponent. The game’s location in St. Louis adds logistical challenges, but Purdue’s experience in high-stakes games could give them an edge.#big_ten_tournament #jay_bilas #purdue #ncaa_tournament #clark_kellogg

Wisconsin Basketball Maintains No. 6 Seed in NCAA Tournament Bracket Projections Wisconsin basketball remains projected as a No. 6 seed in ESPN’s latest NCAA Tournament bracket forecast, according to updated rankings released on March 11, 2026. The Badgers concluded their 2025-26 regular season with a decisive road victory over No. 15 Purdue, securing a 22-9 overall record and a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. This performance earned them the No. 5 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, granting them a bye through the first two rounds of the postseason. The team’s seeding positions them to face the winner of the matchup between No. 12 Washington and No. 13 USC in the quarterfinals. A potential victory in that round would set up a rematch against No. 4 Illinois in the semifinals, should the Illini advance. Despite the challenges ahead, Wisconsin’s NCAA Tournament fate is already secured, as even a loss to either Washington or USC would not jeopardize their projected No. 6 seed. However, a third consecutive deep run—potentially including wins over Illinois and Michigan—could elevate their seeding to a higher line. Wisconsin’s Big Ten Tournament campaign kicks off on Thursday, with the team’s performance in the conference tournament likely to influence their final NCAA Tournament placement. As Selection Sunday approaches, bracket projections will continue to evolve, but the Badgers’ strong regular-season finish and tournament positioning position them as a reliable mid-tier seed. The outcome of their upcoming games will determine whether they can push their seeding higher or maintain their current projection.#big_ten_tournament #purdue #ncaa_tournament #espn #wisconsin_basketball

Big Ten Standings: Final Games Determine Tournament Seeds With one game remaining for each team, the Big Ten conference is entering the final stretch of the regular season, setting the stage for the upcoming tournament in Chicago. After Thursday’s action, including Michigan State’s narrow victory over Rutgers and Michigan’s overtime win against Iowa, all 18 teams are locked in a race to secure favorable seeding for the postseason. The outcomes of these final matchups will determine which teams earn triple byes, double byes, or must compete earlier in the tournament. Nebraska’s path to a top seed is particularly intriguing. A win over Iowa on Sunday, combined with a Michigan State loss to Michigan, could elevate the Huskers to as high as a 2 seed. Conversely, a loss to Iowa and a Purdue victory over Wisconsin could drop Nebraska to a 5 seed, potentially knocking them out of the triple bye. The Boilermakers’ game against Wisconsin on Saturday will play a critical role in shaping the standings, as its result will be finalized before Nebraska faces Iowa at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Iowa also has a chance to secure a double bye if Ohio State loses its Saturday matchup. For Nebraska, the focus is straightforward: a win over Iowa ensures a 2 or 3 seed in the tournament, avoiding early-round play. The Huskers’ game against Iowa is set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the outcome carrying significant weight for their tournament positioning. The tournament format, which will take place in Chicago, features all 18 teams competing. The top four seeds receive a triple bye, entering the tournament on Friday, while the top eight earn a double bye. The bracket will unfold over four days, with the lowest-seeded teams (15-18) facing off on Tuesday, followed by 9-16 on Wednesday, 5-12 on Thursday, and the quarterfinals on Friday.#nebraska #iowa #big_ten #purdue #wisconsin

Big Ten Basketball Tournament Bracket Projections Updated With just four days left in the regular season, the Big Ten Conference is finalizing its tournament bracket, setting the stage for the conference championship. Recent games on March 4 have influenced seeding adjustments, particularly in the lower half of the standings. Purdue’s close victory over Northwestern and Wisconsin’s dominant win against Maryland have kept the top four seeds intact, but both teams are now just one game away from securing a double-bye in the tournament. The Badgers and No. 15-ranked Boilermakers are set to face off in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Saturday. A win for either team could provide a potential pathway to the top four seeds, depending on results from other matchups. The tournament will feature all 18 Big Ten teams, a change from last year when only 15 teams qualified. This year’s bracket structure includes a first-round matchup between No. 18 Penn State and No. 15 Northwestern, while No. 17 Maryland will take on No. 16 Oregon. The second round will see No. 9 Iowa challenge the winner of the Maryland-Oregon game, and No. 10 Indiana will face the winner of Penn State-Northwestern. In the lower half, No. 11 Washington will meet No. 14 Rutgers, while No. 12 USC will take on No. 13 Minnesota. The upper half of the bracket includes No. 8 Ohio State, which will face the winner of the Iowa-Oregon-Maryland game. No. 5 Purdue will compete against the winner of USC-Minnesota, and No. 7 UCLA will face the winner of Indiana-Penn State-Northwestern. No. 6 Wisconsin will take on the winner of Washington-Rutgers. The top half of the bracket will see No. 1 Michigan challenge the winner of Ohio State-Iowa-Oregon-Maryland, while No. 4 Illinois will face the winner of Purdue-USC-Minnesota. The second half of the bracket features No.#big_ten #purdue #wisconsin #northwestern #maryland