KEY POINTS
- Purdue secured a 74-72 victory over Texas in the NCAA Tournament.
- A last-second tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn decided the game’s outcome.
- National Player of the Year Zach Edey dominated with 28 points.
The Purdue Boilermakers survived a major scare on Friday night against Texas. A last-second basket allowed the second-seeded team to move forward. The final score settled at 74-72 in favor of the Big Ten champions.
Purdue relied on their star center Zach Edey for much of the night. Edey finished the contest with 28 points and 15 rebounds. He consistently drew fouls and forced the Texas defense into difficult positions.
The Texas Longhorns displayed incredible resilience throughout the second half of play. They erased a double-digit deficit to tie the game in the final minute. Max Abmas led the Longhorns with 22 points during their spirited comeback.
The game remained tied at 72 with only seconds left on the clock. Purdue guard Braden Smith attempted a difficult floater as time expired. The ball bounced off the rim and hung in the air briefly.
Trey Kaufman-Renn reacted quickly to the missed shot in the paint. He soared above the defenders to tip the ball back toward the hoop. The ball fell through the net just as the buzzer sounded.
Officials reviewed the final play to ensure the basket was legal. Replays showed the ball left his hand before the red light flashed. The basket stood and sparked a massive celebration on the court.
Texas played a physical brand of basketball to disrupt the Purdue offense. They forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 18 points. This defensive pressure nearly caused a massive upset in the tournament.
The Boilermakers struggled with perimeter shooting for most of the second half. They missed eight consecutive three-point attempts during a cold stretch. However, their interior dominance eventually proved to be the deciding factor.
Braden Smith contributed 14 points and nine assists for the winning side. His steady leadership helped Purdue stay calm during the frantic final minutes. He found Edey repeatedly whenever the Longhorns tried to double-team the post.
Dylan Disu also performed well for Texas in his final college game. He scored 18 points and blocked three shots against the taller Purdue lineup. His effort kept the Longhorns competitive until the very last possession.
Purdue now advances to the next round of the NCAA Tournament bracket. They will face the winner of the late game between Kansas and Auburn. The team looks to reach the Final Four for the first time.
Texas finishes their season with a respectable 24-11 overall record. Head coach Rodney Terry praised his players for their heart and determination. They fall just short of a deep run in the postseason.
