Texas vs Purdue — coin flip
Texas and Purdue preview calls this Sweet 16 matchup a true coin flip — experts expect it to come down to second‑chance points and rebounding. Early takes lean slightly toward Purdue, but analysts warn the game will be decided in the final possession (youtube.com).
Purdue (29-8) and Texas (21-14) tip off Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7:10 p.m. ET at the SAP Center in San Jose, with the game televised on CBS. (purduesports.com) Oddsmakers installed Purdue the favorite, listing the spread around Purdue -7.5 and a total near 147–148; several outlets translated that into roughly a three‑in‑four win probability for the Boilermakers. (stadiumrant.com) Texas has totaled 1,319 rebounds this season — including 420 offensive boards — yielding a 37.7 rebounds-per-game mark and an offensive-rebound advantage in raw totals over Purdue. (texaslonghorns.com) Purdue’s team totals list 1,240 rebounds with 395 offensive rebounds this year, leaving the season rebounding gap at 1,319 (Texas) vs. 1,240 (Purdue) and framing the matchup as one for second‑chance possessions. (espn.com) Texas arrives after a First Four win and a Round of 32 upset of Gonzaga, while Purdue is making its third straight Sweet 16 and would advance to the West Region final against the Arizona/Arkansas winner with a win. (stadiumrant.com) (purduesports.com) Key availability notes: Texas forward Lassina Traoré is listed out and guard Jordan Pope is questionable, while Purdue guard C.J. Cox was reported practicing after a knee issue — both sides list personnel that could affect rebounding matchups and late‑game lineups. (foxsports.com)
