ESPN staff
Mar 27, 2026, 01:25 AM ET
The first night of the Sweet 16 had comebacks, winning shots and superhuman efforts. ESPN’s Myron Medcalf and Kyle Bonagura were on-site in Houston and San Jose to break down each game; analyst Jeff Borzello outlines keys for each winner to reach the Final Four.
(2) Purdue 79, (11) Texas 77
How Purdue won: Braden Smith missed a potential go-ahead shot in the closing seconds, but Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped in the rebound for the game-winner. Purdue struggled much of the second half and had trouble containing Tramon Mark, yet a clutch Smith layup with 38 seconds left and free throws by C.J. Cox set up the finish. The Boilers were just 4-for-20 from three, but all five starters scored in double figures; Kaufman-Renn led with 20. Fletcher Loyer was Purdue’s only long-range threat, making 4-of-8 from deep. — Bonagura
Purdue’s Elite Eight opponent: Arizona (8:49 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Purdue can advance: Purdue must limit Arizona’s dominance in the paint and on the offensive glass while avoiding foul trouble that could bench Oscar Cluff. With Daniel Jacobsen’s late-season struggles, Cluff’s minutes are critical. Offensively, Purdue needs Fletcher Loyer to stay hot from three to keep pace with Arizona’s 2-point efficiency. — Borzello
(9) Iowa 77, (4) Nebraska 71
How Iowa won: Nebraska led for most of the game and looked comfortable early, but Tate Sage’s buzzer 3 cut the halftime deficit to three and shifted momentum. Bennett Stirtz dominated the second half, hitting a go-ahead 3 with 2:10 remaining. Alvaro Folgueiras then delivered late, drawing a three-point play and finishing with a dunk after Nebraska briefly had only four players on the floor, sealing Iowa’s first Elite Eight trip since 1987. The Hawkeyes showed the resilience that’s defined their season. — Medcalf
Iowa’s Elite Eight opponent: Illinois (6:09 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Iowa can advance: Iowa’s tournament edge has been controlling tempo; they must force a slower, lower-possession game to disrupt Illinois. Stirtz needs to win the point-guard matchup against Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell, and Iowa must keep Illinois from collecting offensive rebounds and second-chance points. — Borzello
(1) Arizona 109, (4) Arkansas 88
How Arizona won: Arizona dominated from the start, with Brayden Burries scoring 23 on 7-of-11 shooting and six Wildcats finishing in double figures. Darius Acuff Jr. led Arkansas with 28, but the talent gap showed early and often. The Wildcats looked like a legitimate championship contender in a comprehensive performance. — Bonagura
Arizona’s Elite Eight opponent: Purdue (8:49 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Arizona can advance: Arizona should attack Purdue’s weaker 2-point defense and interior play, getting Burries or Jaden Bradley into the lane and feeding Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka and Koa Peat inside. Purdue’s poor 3-point defense could also yield some open shots. Defensively, Bradley and Burries must limit Braden Smith’s half-court control and physicality. — Borzello
(3) Illinois 65, (2) Houston 55
How Illinois won: Illinois took a narrow halftime lead, then ripped off a decisive 20-4 run early in the second half sparked by a Keaton Wagler 3. The Illini’s penchant for lopsided runs — shown earlier in the tournament — resurfaced, and they held Houston to 55 points. Illinois’ offensive firepower and ability to go on extended bursts carried them through. — Medcalf
Illinois’ Elite Eight opponent: Iowa (6:09 p.m. ET, Sunday)
How Illinois can advance: Illinois’ recent defensive stretch bodes well: they’ve held VCU and Houston to 55 points each and have limited many opponents to under one point per possession. Physical point defense from Kylan Boswell, plus length on the wings and rim protection, can disrupt Bennett Stirtz. Offensively, Illinois’ advantage on the offensive glass and ability to get to the foul line will be key against Iowa. — Borzello
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