The No. 11 Texas Longhorns’ Cinderella NCAA Tournament run ended in heartbreak Thursday night when Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped in a game-winning basket with 0.7 seconds left, giving No. 2 Purdue a 79-77 victory and a spot in the Elite Eight.
Texas guard Dailyn Swain had tied the game at 77 with an and-one layup and free throw with 11 seconds remaining. Purdue’s Braden Smith drove for a potential winning shot, but his attempt rolled off the rim-until Kaufman-Renn, positioned under the basket, tapped it home for his 20th point of the night.
The play sparked debate on social media over possible contact, but no foul was called. The Boilermakers celebrated while Texas watched its season end in stunning fashion.
It was a tightly contested game throughout. Neither team led by more than seven points. Texas shot 52% (29-of-56), while Purdue hit 48% (30-of-62). Every Purdue starter scored at least 10 points. Backcourt duo Fletcher Loyer (18) and Braden Smith (16) provided critical support.
Texas star Tramon Mark poured in 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three-point range. Swain nearly recorded a double-double with nine rebounds and five assists.
Purdue now advances to face the winner of Arkansas vs. Arizona for a berth in the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.