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The Purdue Boilermakers have finally avenged themselves from the phantoms of their 2025 March Madness run. Coach Matt Painter was able to scheme and keep things close against the No. 11 Texas Longhorns. It took a lot of effort from Braden Smith, CJ Cox, Fletcher Loyer, and a last-second tip-in from Trey Kaufman-Renn for them to advance to the Elite Eight. While many are going to focus on the highlight of the Purdue basketball big man, he posits that the fans should credit something else instead of just his clutch shot.
Kaufman-Renn highlights Purdue's longstanding bond as March Madness X Factor
Look, there are not a lot of teams in March Madness who have gone through a lot as much as Purdue. Smith, Loyer, and Kaufman-Renn have been key players for Coach Painter ever since Zach Edey was still with the team. All of that showed during their bout against the Texas Longhorns.
Smith had no worries in taking the last shot. Guys like Cox and Loyer lingered in the perimeter to stretch the floor while also taunting for a bail-out three-pointer. When the ball did not find the bottom of the net, Kaufman-Renn knew his point guard to a tee such that he instinctively went up for a second-chance bucket.
The Purdue big man noted how chemistry was why they knocked out Texas in March Madness to reach the Elite Eight, via CBS Sports.
"It's what we drew up. We have so much experience with these guys. It's winning time. So, it's our job to make big plays in big moments. I didn't feel like we had any nerves, being level-headed. It's a really good team. We just played, stuck to our gameplan, and pulled it out," Kaufman-Renn declared.
He ended up leading Coach Painter's squad in scoring because of that bucket. Kaufman-Renn finished the game with an astounding 20 points while knocking down 80% of his field goals alongside eight rebounds. Loyer followed that up with 18 points of his own through knocking down 50% of his shots from downtown. Smith, who played floor general, also notched 16 points while dishing out five assists and also grabbing two steals.
These guys have known each other for the longest time. Kaufman-Renn stated that Purdue deserved to win just because of that. They showed heart and have been working so much, not just in this year's March Madness but even in the tournaments that have passed.
"We deserve it. Our team is putting so much work. These guys love each other. Like I said, we're putting a lot of work," the Purdue big man added.
With the team chemistry inside Coach Painter's squad and familiarity, it would not be a surprise if this win against Texas is just the start. Purdue could very well threaten either the Arkansas Razorbacks or Arizona Wildcats for the West Regional title and come out as the victors of March Madness.
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