Purdue's Kaufman-Renn Tip-In Secures Elite Eight Spot

0:00On March 27, Purdue punched their ticket to the Elite 8 for the second time in three seasons with a hard-stopping 79-77 victory over Texas. The number two seed-border makers survived a wild finish against the number 11 longhorns thanks to Trey Kaufman-Ren's tip-in off of Braden Smith, missed with just 0.7 seconds on the clock. The drama unfolded in the final 40 seconds. Smith hit a layup to put Purdue up by 3 with 37.7 seconds left. Texas missed a three-pointer, but kept possession on a jump ball, leading to free throws that tighten the score. Purdue fouled to stop a potential game-tire, but Texas' modest bokeh at it is saying both shots. CJ, Cox responded with two free throws to regain the three-point edge, only for Dale and Swain to tie it on an N-1 with under 12 seconds remaining. Fans erupted as Kaufman-Ren, a senior forward, delivered the game-winner after Smith's drive fell short. This March produced deepest NCAA tournament run recently, building on last year's success.

1:02Purdue now eyes a final four spot, carrying momentum from these clutch moments into the next round.