ESPN’s Myron Medcalf and Kyle Bonagura were on site in Houston and San Jose to break down Thursday’s Sweet 16 action, and analyst Jeff Borzello lays out what each winner must do to reach the Final Four.
(2) Purdue 79, (11) Texas 77 How Purdue won: A frantic finish ended with Braden Smith missing a potential go-ahead shot in the closing seconds, but Trey Kaufman-Renn followed with a tip-in on the rebound for the game-winner. Purdue struggled through much of the second half and had difficulty limiting Tramon Mark, but Smith’s clutch layup with 38 seconds left and C.J. Cox’s free throws set the stage. The Boilers were just 4-for-20 from three, yet all five starters finished in double figures; Kaufman-Renn led the way with 20. Fletcher Loyer was Purdue’s primary perimeter threat, hitting 4 of 8 from deep. — Bonagura
Purdue’s Elite Eight opponent: Arizona (8:49 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Purdue can advance: Purdue must shrink Arizona’s advantages inside and on the offensive glass while keeping Oscar Cluff on the floor by avoiding foul trouble. With Daniel Jacobsen struggling late in the season, Cluff’s minutes are vital. Offensively, Purdue needs Fletcher Loyer to keep hitting threes to co
