Purdue faced heartbreak at Lucas Oil Stadium as they were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Houston. With the game tied, Houston secured a last-second victory with a game-winning layup, ending Purdue’s postseason run. Despite the loss, Purdue head coach Matt Painter commended his team for their effort and fight throughout the game. Purdue made a strong comeback from a 10-point deficit in the second half, tying the game with a late three-pointer from Camden Heide. However, their efforts fell just short as Houston ultimately prevailed. Despite the disappointment, Purdue’s Braden Smith acknowledged the team’s fighting spirit and determination. The game ended with a controversial no-call on a push-off by Houston, which provided them with the opportunity to secure the win. Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer led the team in scoring while Smith tied a season-high in assists. This loss marked Purdue’s third appearance in the Sweet 16 in the last four seasons, showcasing their consistent presence in the postseason. Painter refrained from commenting on the controversial call, focusing instead on his team’s resilience and performance throughout the game.
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