How did Trey Kaufman-Renn beat Texas?
Purdue survives Texas with a 0.7-second tip-in
Purdue advanced to the Elite Eight after Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped in a miss with 0.7 seconds remaining to give the Boilermakers a 79-77 victory over Texas in the Sweet 16.
The finish capped a tense endgame where Purdue overcame a near upset bid from the 11th-seeded Longhorns. Texas had been competitive throughout, but the game narrowed to a final possession scenario: with so little time left, Purdue’s ability to secure the rebound and convert the putback became the difference.
Kaufman-Renn’s winning play mattered not just because it was a last-second score, but because it came after Purdue kept the game within reach long enough to create the exact opportunity for a clean offensive rebound. The tip-in converted a moment that, statistically and procedurally, would normally be a low-percentage situation—yet it became the defining highlight of the night.
Why it matters
- Purdue’s Elite Eight spot comes via a late-game execution that reinforces its ability to finish under tournament pressure.
- Texas’ season ended on what was essentially a one-possession turnaround: a close contest decided by a single shot at the buzzer.
The win also sets up Purdue’s next matchup as the second-seeded team continues its March run, while Texas exits after a strong tournament stretch.