The Longhorns' star guard scores 29 points, but a last-second tip-in seals their fate.
Category: Sports
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Tramon Mark proved to be a warrior on March 26, 2026, scoring a season-high 29 points, but it wasn’t enough to save the Texas Longhorns from a heartbreaking 79-77 loss to No. 2 seed Purdue during the NCAA Sweet 16.
Mark’s performance was particularly remarkable considering he played through an ankle injury sustained early during the second half. After being fouled on a three-point attempt, Mark managed to stay on the court to shoot free throws, sinking two out of three before taking a brief rest on the bench. Remarkably, he returned to the game and immediately hit another three-pointer, displaying impressive resilience and determination.
His efforts inspired the Longhorns, who were making a surprising run through March Madness, becoming only the sixth team to advance from the First Four to the Sweet 16. Head coach Sean Miller, who is experiencing his first season with Texas, had led the team to a 21-15 record by this point, marking his ninth Sweet 16 appearance across 21 seasons.
Texas fell behind early, with Purdue jumping to a 6-0 lead thanks to back-to-back three-pointers from Fletcher Loyer. The Longhorns managed to tie the game multiple times, including at 12-12 and later at 30-30, but the Boilermakers consistently answered back, taking a 39-35 lead into halftime.
After the break, Texas surged with a 14-6 run, taking a 49-45 lead. Mark’s jumper at the 12:27 mark put the Longhorns up 56-52, but Purdue responded swiftly, reclaiming the lead with a three-pointer from Loyer. The back-and-forth continued, with Texas gaining a brief 70-66 advantage before Purdue executed a late-game rally.
With just seconds left on the clock, Dailyn Swain tied the game at 77-77 with a driving layup and a successful free throw. But Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn tipped the ball into the basket off a missed shot by Braden Smith with only 0.7 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Boilermakers.
Mark’s 29 points came on an impressive 11-of-15 shooting, including a collegiate career-high 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. This performance marked the most points scored by a Texas player during an NCAA Tournament game since Kevin Durant netted 30 points against Southern California back during the 2007 tournament.
Throughout the game, Mark’s grit was palpable. "Just being a competitor wanting to play and wanting to advance for my teammates," he said, emphasizing his drive to push through the pain. His commitment to the team was evident, and his performance was a beacon of hope for the Longhorns.
Junior Dailyn Swain also played a key role, contributing 15 points, nine rebounds, and a game-high five assists, demonstrating his all-around ability. Senior Jordan Pope, playing through a broken foot sustained just days before, added 12 points without committing a turnover, proving his mettle on the court.
Purdue’s Kaufman-Renn was instrumental for his team, scoring 20 points and hitting his first seven shots of the game. His tip-in highlighted his skill and underscored the importance of perseverance and teamwork, a lesson echoed by his coach, Matt Painter.
“It’s not always the first shot of a possession that matters most,” Kaufman-Renn recalled, emphasizing the significance of being prepared for the unexpected moments that can change the course of a game.
Coach Sean Miller noted the challenges Texas faced, particularly with rebounding, which proved to be a decisive factor. “I thought we really struggled to rebound on defense,” he said. The Longhorns were out-rebounded by a slim margin of 32-31, which highlighted the tight competition throughout the game.
After the game, players expressed a mix of pride and disappointment. Pope shared how meaningful it was to compete at home, surrounded by friends and family, and to fight through adversity. "It meant a lot, a moment that I’m sure I’ll always cherish," he said. The emotional weight of the game was felt by all, especially with the stakes so high.
Mark’s determination and the team’s collective effort were commendable, but the game's outcome left them with a bitter taste. Texas had a chance to advance to the Elite Eight but fell just short, concluding their season with a commendable run.
With this loss, the Longhorns finished their campaign under Miller with a 21-15 record, a notable improvement from previous seasons. The team’s resilience and fighting spirit, particularly from players like Mark, Swain, and Pope, set a promising tone for the future.
Next up, Purdue will face either top-seeded Arizona or No. 4 seed Arkansas, with a chance to advance to the Final Four. For Texas, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for the next season, with hopes that the lessons learned from this year’s tournament will fuel their ambitions going forward.
Mark, who finished his collegiate career with over 2,000 points, leaves a legacy of tenacity and skill, inspiring future Longhorns to carry the torch. His performance against Purdue will be remembered not just for the points scored but for the heart displayed on the court, a true reflection of what it means to be a Longhorn.