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 counter Arizona’s efficient two-point scoring. — Borzello
(9) Iowa 77, (4) Nebraska 71
How Iowa won: Nebraska led for much of the night and started comfortably, but Tate Sage’s buzzer three trimmed the halftime deficit to three and swung momentum. Bennett Stirtz took over in the second half, drilling a go-ahead 3 with 2:10 remaining. Alvaro Folgueiras made key plays down the stretch, drawing a three-point play and finishing with a dunk after Nebraska briefly had only four players on the floor, sealing Iowa’s first trip to the Elite Eight since 1987. The Hawkeyes leaned on the resilience that has defined their season. — Medcalf
Iowa’s Elite Eight opponent: Illinois (6:09 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Iowa can advance: Iowa’s advantage in this tournament has been controlling tempo; they must force a slower, lower-possession game to disrupt Illinois’ rhythm. Stirtz needs to win the point-guard matchup against Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell, and Iowa must limit Illinois’ offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities. — Borzello
(1) Arizona 109, (4) Arkansas 88
How Arizona won: Arizona set the tone early and never looked back. Brayden Burries scored 23 on 7-of-11 shooting and the Wildcats had six players reach double figures. Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas with 28, but Arizona’s depth and talent gap were evident throughout in a dominant, complete performance. — Bonagura
Arizona’s Elite Eight opponent: Purdue (8:49 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Arizona can advance: Attack Purdue’s weaker two-point defense and interior. Get Burries or Jaden Bradley into the lane and involve Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka and Koa Peat inside; Purdue’s perimeter defense has been vulnerable and should open up looks from deep. Defensively, Bradley and Burries must find ways to blunt Braden Smith’s half-court control and physicality. — Borzello
(3) Illinois 65, (2) Houston 55
How Illinois won: Illinois took a slim halftime lead, then erupted early in the second half with a decisive 20-4 run sparked by a Keaton Wagler three. The Illini’s ability to produce extended scoring bursts returned at the right time, and their defense held Houston to 55 points. Illinois’ offensive firepower and streaky runs carried the day. — Medcalf
Illinois’ Elite Eight opponent: Iowa (6:09 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Illinois can advance: Illinois’ recent defensive stretch is encouraging — they’ve held both VCU and Houston to 55 points and limited opponents to below one point per possession in those wins. Physical point defense from Kylan Boswell, length on the wings and rim protection can disrupt Bennett Stirtz. Offensively, Illinois must win the battle of the offensive glass and get to the foul line to offset Iowa’s tempo control. — Borzello
Relive the action.
