Purdue clutches up vs. Texas advance to another March Madness Elite Eight

SAN JOSE, CA – The Purdue Boilermakers found it a bit difficult to continue being physical against the Texas Longhorns. Coach Matt Painter had a few schematic changes in order to get close in this March Madness matchup. They needed Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Oscar Cluff among others to play big minutes. When it was all said and done, Braden Smith had his shining moment to send them to the Elite Eight.

Smith etches name in March Madness history in Purdue vs. Texas

This game was decided at the very last second, no gimmicks or hyperbole. Smith ended up initiating an isolation play to beat the Texas defense for a layup but it missed. Kaufman-Renn was there to tip the ball in for two points which sent them into March Madness' Elite Eight.

This angle of the Trey Kaufman-Renn winner 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XuoN7xc3s2

While that may be the highlight that people take away from this March Madness battle, Texas held their own against the second-ranked team in the West Region. Tramon Mark, despite a very obvious and painful injury, continued to play for the Longhorns and saw 34 minutes of playing time. He knocked down 11 of his 15 field goal attempts while also going 71.4% from beyond the arc for 29 points. Jordan Pope and Dailyn Swain also helped in the scoring department with 12 points and 15 points respectively.

For Purdue, Coach Painter relied heavily on his March Madness veterans. Smith ran the offense well to notch 16 points while also dishing out five assists and grabbing two steals away from the Texas offense. Kaufman-Renn, on the other hand, led the Boilermakers with his scoring by getting 20 points on an insane 80% field goal clip alongside eight rebounds. Loyer rounds out the Purdue leaders with his 50% clip from three-point range while going six of 13 from the field to get 18 points.

This March Madness game was all about hustle and physicality. Smith just happened to swoop in during the very last second to give the Boilermakers the Elite Eight spot. Texas, on the other hand, will not lose in vain. They were seeded 11th in this region and likely know which stars they will develop for the next season. Momentum is on the side of both of these squads after March Madness. 

Purdue will face whoever wins between the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arizona Wildcats.

More March Madness News:

• Why Kevin Willard might look for new Villanova staff after March Madness exit

• Iowa takes down Nebraska, advances to Elite Eight for first time since 1987

• Why Nebraska star Pryce Sandfort transferred from Iowa to conference rival