Purdue’s Last-Second Tip-In Ends Texas’s Unlikely Tournament Run
The Texas Longhorns came to the Sweet 16 as underdogs, as they had been all tournament long. They left San Jose with their heads high and the scoreboard not in their favor — eliminated 79-77 by No. 2 seed Purdue on a tip-in with less than a second to play.
Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped in a miss by Braden Smith with 0.7 seconds remaining, and the Boilermakers edged a hobbling Texas squad that had given everything it had for one last shot at the Elite Eight.
TREY KAUFMAN-RENN GAME-WINNER 🚨
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2026
PURDUE ADVANCES TO THE ELITE 8 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CYj7ltsGXT
The finish was gut-wrenching for Longhorn fans. Texas had tied the game moments earlier when Dailyn Swain drove the lane, drew a foul, and converted the three-point play with 11.9 seconds remaining. For a fleeting moment, it felt like the Horns might pull off yet another improbable escape. Instead, Smith’s drive set up the decisive tip, and just like that, the most unlikely postseason run in recent Longhorn history came to a close.
Credit Tramon Mark for going down fighting. The sixth-year senior scored 29 points — the most by a Texas player in an NCAA Tournament game since Kevin Durant dropped 30 against USC in 2007 — all while grimacing through the closing minutes on an injured leg. Mark refused to come off the floor when his team needed him most, a fitting final image for a player who embodied the grit this team showed all season.
That grit was the throughline of this entire Longhorn run. Texas earned an No. 11 seed and was among the final at-large teams admitted to the field — a program that finished 10th in the SEC during the regular season, hardly the profile of a Sweet 16 contender. Yet here they were, pushing a Purdue squad that entered the week as one of the hottest teams in the country all the way to the final buzzer.
The Longhorns actually outshot Purdue from three-point range — 44 percent to just 20 percent — but gave back the advantage at the free throw line, hitting only 8 of 15 attempts while Purdue connected on 15 of 20. Rebounding on the offensive glass was another killer. Purdue racked up 22 second-chance points on the night. In a two-point game, those margins tell the whole story.
Kaufman-Renn was the difference-maker for Purdue, connecting on his first seven shot attempts and finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds. He was swarmed by teammates at the final buzzer in the kind of celebration that stings to watch if you’re wearing burnt orange.
Purdue advances to the Elite Eight to face top-seeded Arizona on Saturday, carrying real momentum and a legitimate shot at a deep run. Texas heads home with a 21-15 record and something that can’t be captured in a box score: the knowledge that this group punched well above its weight when it mattered most.
For a program still finding its footing in the SEC era, this tournament run was a reminder that March doesn’t care about seedings or regular-season standings. The Longhorns made the country take notice. That’s not nothing — even when the final tip goes the other way.
More on last night’s game, plus coverage of the Houston Cougars loss to Illinois, can be found further down this post in SPORTS.
Austin City Council met for their Regular Meeting Thursday. Here’s a rundown of actions taken:
Consent Agenda (Items 1–46, 38) The vast majority of business was handled on consent, meaning it passed without individual debate. Highlights include:
- Airport: A 10-year food/retail concession lease at ABIA’s new West Gate/Concourse M expansion, projected to generate $395K annually; $40M in engineering contracts for materials testing; and $21M in furniture contracts.
- Infrastructure & Construction: Major contracts approved for Austin Water, Austin Energy, watershed protection, and stormwater projects across the city, totaling tens of millions in capital expenditures.
- Technology: Several software renewals and upgrades for city operations, including Smartsheet, RSA SecurID, and project management platforms.
- Homelessness: Adoption of the 2025–2027 Homeless Strategies and Operations Strategic Plan.
#ATXCouncil adopts the Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations 2025-2027 Strategic Plan which provides a framework to address homelessness through effective policies, investments, + partnerships. 🏠
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) March 26, 2026
👉 View the plan: https://t.co/5kMXC4qkyM pic.twitter.com/uqVnnCMxUS
- Housing & Land Use: Resolutions directing staff to explore “missing middle” housing zoning, parking reform (unbundling and transit-corridor maximums), home occupation/front yard business rules, and repurposing closed school campuses.
- Public Health: Extended opioid recovery counseling services and a new 340B pharmacy pricing program for low-income residents.
- Resource Recovery: Authorized purchase of a building at 9201 Metric Blvd. for a reuse warehouse redistributing gently used furniture.
#ATXCouncil votes to acquire property that Austin Resource Recovery will use as a reuse warehouse. Gently used donated items will be accepted and distributed to nonprofit organizations to furnish homes for those transitioning out of homelessness. 🛌 pic.twitter.com/ay2yEroobW
— City of Austin (@austintexasgov) March 26, 2026
Public Hearings Several significant items were heard and acted upon:
- Austin Core Transportation Plan: Adopted as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan.
- Downtown Density Bonus: Approved increased height and floor-area ratio for a project at 601 W. MLK Blvd. and surrounding addresses.
- Billboard Regulations: A proposal on relocating non-conforming billboards was postponed to April 23; a separate item authorizing larger electronic signs in the right-of-way was approved.
- Disannexations: Approved multiple disannexations under Texas SB 1844, primarily around the Lake Austin area in Districts 8 and 10, totaling dozens of properties and roughly 35+ acres.
- Goodnight Ranch PUD: Rezoning amendment approved for the southeast Austin planned development.
- North Burnet/Gateway: Approved rezoning to a Research and Sciences Mixed Use subdistrict for UT System-owned land near Braker/Burnet/MoPac.
- Auditorium Shores: Approved a change in parkland use to allow Austin Water to run a reclaimed water line through a small portion of the park.
Other Actions
- Dissolved the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board.
- Reappointed two members to the Sobering Center Board of Directors.
- AHFC approved a $3.5M loan for Sunday Village affordable senior housing near 1026 Clayton Lane.
- Two executive session items (Yogurt Shop cases and federal mandates) were withdrawn before discussion.
The public has begun weighing in on the city’s budget and accountability.
FRIDAY 5:00 AM: We're tracking two fatal crashes this morning. This one is on 183 southbound at Anderson Mill, involving a pedestrian. All southbound lanes closed. Live details now on @KVUE pic.twitter.com/ohl1buEyfB
— Hannah Rucker KVUE News (@suphannahrucker) March 27, 2026
FRIDAY 5:00 AM: Here's the second fatal crash we're tracking this morning, this one involves a motorcyclist who died on scene. All westbound lanes closed on 2600 block of Slaughter. Live details now on @KVUE. pic.twitter.com/oOKY4oz8LY
— Hannah Rucker KVUE News (@suphannahrucker) March 27, 2026
A police chase resulted in charges for a 37-year-old Austin man who was found to be in possession of a significant quantity of narcotics, as well as multiple firearms, one of which was confirmed as stolen.
A 25-year-old man named Kobe Lee Mosser is facing multiple charges after investigators say he shot at vehicles this week at a Home Depot in Bastrop.
According to investigators in Round Rock, undercover agents were repeatedly able to enter a local poker club, move freely throughout the gaming floor and bar areas, and observe poker games without being asked to show proof of membership.
Mustang Ridge authorities responded to a call of a person unresponsive who was later found to be deceased.
From Reporte Austin:
“In addition to ICE arrests in Lamar and Rundberg, other arrests were registered today Thursday in the area. One happened over Payton Gin, also after a State Troopers stop. Earlier, a federal agent was seen detaining a person at the Rundberg gas station and Interstate 35, next to the Alma Apartments. In that case, there was no Trooper. Arrests in the city have intensified since last weekend, after a period of decline.”
PODCAST
On this week’s Friday News Round Up, Host Nikki DaVaughn and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec talk about new reporting that reveals just how closely Texas Department of Public Safety officers are working with immigration officers here in Austin .
I’m grateful for the hard work of our Transportation Security Administration (TSA) professionals. They keep our airport operational and safe. They are public servants that care about Austin and show up for this community— even as they worry about when their next paycheck will… pic.twitter.com/4W4xRzS1o7
— Mayor Kirk Watson (@KirkPWatson) March 26, 2026
KXAN-TV Exclusive: TSA officers in Austin speak out as government shutdown hits 41 days.
Demonstrators are preparing to gather Saturday at Auditorium Shores in Downtown Austin for the city’s third “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration.
For the first time in decades, Williamson County has a new floodplain map. The map is critical to development because it helps assess flood risk to property and lives.
The Bell Fire is now at 450 acres with 45% containment.
The Hutchinson Fire has burned nearly 3000 acres and is 90% contained.
After flames scorched Bastrop State Park, crews contained the Spring Pine Fire—but dry, windy conditions and a burn ban keep wildfire risks high.
WEATHER
THURSDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
Two officer-involved shootings to report today. One in San Antonio, the other in Houston.
IDENTIFIED | 24-year-old Jazz Joseph Fernandez died following an officer-involved shooting early Wednesday morning after a hit-and-run along Loop 410 escalated near the Blanco Road interchange. https://t.co/OSxiHoaN2T pic.twitter.com/II7BTkugei
— News 4 San Antonio (@News4SA) March 27, 2026
Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting near Amarillo Street and 6th in South Houston. An officer was injured. @JulissaGarzaTv https://t.co/qmLX53Bmt5 pic.twitter.com/o1kf4h7uL9
— KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) March 27, 2026
The operators of Camp Mystic have filed an appeal to reopen and resume construction for this upcoming summer.
Parents who sent their daughters to Camp Mystic, an all‑girls Christian camp on the Guadalupe River, relive the joy of that summer and the horror of the flash flood that followed. They describe the girls they lost, the riverside cabins in “Flash Flood Alley,” and the moments they realized this was not just a freak storm, but a preventable disaster they say was made worse by bad policies, missed warnings, and a camp that promised their children would be safe.
Officials in Fayette County announced the recent seizure of nearly 50 pounds of meth during a traffic stop.
CPAC 2026 is currently underway in Grapevine. The Conservative Political Action Conference draws thousands each year and is billed as “the world’s largest and most influential” gathering for conservatives. (KUT 90.5)
A newly-filed report with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is providing insight into what led to the Valero refinery explosion and fire that lit up the sky over Port Arthur Monday evening.
Lately, Jesus has taken the wheel of politics at both the state and federal level – from Pete Hegseth’s pastor wishing God’s lethal wrath upon James Talarico while his disciple wages holy war in Iran, to Ken Paxton and Kelly Hancock squabbling over how best to discriminate against Texas Muslims, to Dan Patrick’s new Senate committee on religious freedom – formed mostly from Republicans well-versed in imposing their religion on your freedom – Christ, it’s been a week.
Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, are worlds apart politically, but this week both were in the Lone Star State on a similar mission: win over Texans who could become critical if they both run for the White House in 2028. Gallego sits down with host Jeremy Wallace for an exclusive interview in San Antonio, where he says his message is as simple as can be: “no stupid wars, focus on the homeland.” His target audience in the Alamo City was clear: Latinos and veterans. Plus, University of Houston political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus explains that it’s not just Texas BBQ bringing would-be presidential candidates to Texas. He explains why the state is such a proving ground for candidates of both parties. Also, Austin American-Statesman political reporter John Moritz drops in to relay what Democrat James Talarico said in response to a Tennessee pastor who called for God to kill him. All that, plus Conroe’s Parker McCollum, shows how a Houston rodeo concert is supposed to end.
(Episode from March 26, 2026)
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Graduate guard Tramon Mark posted a season-high 29 points, but Texas (21-15) dropped a hard-fought 79-77 decision to No. 8/13 (2 seed) Purdue (30-8) in a NCAA West Region Sweet 16 contest on Thursday night in SAP Center. The Boilermakers used a Trey Kaufman-Renn tip-in with 0.7 seconds left to earn the victory.
The defeat stopped an outstanding March Madness run by Texas, who became just the sixth team in NCAA Tournament history to advance from the First Four to the Sweet 16. Head coach Sean Miller, in his first season with the Longhorns, advanced to the Sweet 16 for the ninth time in 21 seasons overall as a collegiate head coach.
The Houston Cougars saw their postseason run come to an end as well last night in San Jose.
David Mirkovic had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and third-seeded Illinois flexed its defensive muscles to eliminate last year’s national runner-up from the NCAA Tournament, beating Houston 65-55 in the South Region semifinals on Thursday night.
Always left it all on the floor 💯
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 27, 2026
Thank you, Milos Uzan#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/4JavmJ9KAv
NBA: No action last night from the Spurs, Mavericks or Rockets. San Antonio has another night off tonight while Dallas and Houston see action.
MLB: A rough Opening Dat for both the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers.
Mike Trout homered to launch what he hopes will be a bounce-back year, leading the Los Angeles Angels to a season-opening 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday. Hunter Brown started for Houston and allowed four hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out nine. (Associated Press)
Cristopher Sánchez struck out 10 and tossed three-hit ball over six shutout innings in his first start since he signed a $104 million contract extension, and Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm each homered to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, spoiling manager Skip Schumaker’s Texas debut. (Associated Press)
ON THE SCHEDULE
The Rangers are off tonight. The Astros resume their series against Los Angeles.
COLLEGE BASEBALL: No. 2 Texas blanked No. 8 Oklahoma, 14-0, in a seven-inning contest at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Thursday night.
In the 233rd installment of the Red River Rivalry, the Longhorns (20-4, 5-2 SEC) recorded their largest shutout victory in series history, surpassing an 11-0 win on March 10, 1961. Texas also matched its second-biggest margin of victory against the Sooners (19-6, 4-3 SEC), defeating Oklahoma by 14 runs for the first time in nearly 40 years.
The Longhorns scored at least three runs in four of the first five innings. (Texas Longhorns)
ON THE SCHEDULE
NHL: A loss in New York last night was the third in a row for the Dallas Stars.
Ilya Sorokin gave the New York Islanders the type of elite goaltending they needed facing one of the NHL’s top teams while in the thick of a playoff chase, making 26 saves to beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Thursday night. (Associated Press)
ON THE SCHEDULE
An off night tonight. Dallas is at Pittsburgh Saturday.
SXSW 2026 is officially in the books and The Austin Pod is breaking it ALL down. From packed concerts and exclusive events to nonstop partying in Austin, the week was absolute chaos.
