The Longhorns’ inspiring run into the postseason was concluded Thursday night in San Jose, with Texas falling just short against No. 2 seed Purdue, 79–77, in a suspenseful Sweet 16 matchup. Graduate guard Tramon Mark left his mark in this game with a season-record, career-high 29 points, breaking the 2,000 point career threshold.
This Texas team was one not just of talent but of fortitude. They were a team that could be counted on to stay strong, entering March Madness as an 11-seed and became the sixth team in NCAA history to go from The First Four to The Sweet 16. In his ninth career trip to the Sweet 16, Sean Miller, in his first season at Texas, led his team through a grueling schedule and into yet another deep tournament run. His leadership has established the tone for a program which is clearly on the rise.
Tramon Mark’s effort against Purdue was arguably the most impressive performance of the tournament. Even though he suffered an ankle injury in the second half, he scored an impressive 11-of-15 from the field (that included 5-of-7 from three-point range), while showing the kind of scoring success characteristic of his college career.
Junior guard Dailyn Swain nearly scored a double-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Senior Jordan Pope added 12 points even after playing through a broken foot suffered just days earlier.
The Sweet 16 fight against the Boilermakers was all about the constant changes of momentum, with 16 lead changes and 10 ties keeping supporters on edge. Texas accounted for an eye-popping 51.8% shooting from the field, while Purdue was down to just 20% from beyond the arc. Even when trailing, the Longhorns displayed confidence, discipline and the attitude characteristic of Miller’s coaching philosophy.
The Longhorns’ 2025–26 campaign ultimately ends two points short of the margin, but will be celebrated for how they finished down the stretch. Sean Miller finishes his first year on the 40 Acres with a 21–15 record and a remarkable run, returning Texas Basketball into to the national spotlight.
