Purdue senior trio takes last collegiate steps in Elite Eight

SAN JOSE, Calif — After one last 3-pointer from senior guard Fletcher Loyer, Boilermaker fans realized that the day they’ve always dreaded had finally arrived. The day that Purdue’s senior trio would walk off the court together one last time.

“You got to find those guys that believe in themselves. And you know, he (senior guard Braden Smith) believes in himself. Fletch (Fletcher Loyer) believes in himself and TK (senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn),” Coach Matt Painter said when asked about the senior’s contributions to the season. “Those are the guys that it’s like even when they struggle, somebody’s gonna stick with them.”

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3/28/26 Arizona, Loyer last three — Senior guard Fletcher Loyer shoots the last 3-pointer of his collegiate career during Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. The loss marked the end of the Boilermakers' season.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

Senior guard Fletcher Loyer shoots the last 3-pointer of his collegiate career during Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. The loss marked the end of the Boilermakers' season.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

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3/28/26 Arizona, Smith and Loyer hug — Senior guard Braden Smith and senior guard Fletcher Loyer embrace after Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Purdue's defeat marked the end of Smith's and Loyer's four-year career as Boilermakers.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

Senior guard Braden Smith and senior guard Fletcher Loyer embrace after Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Purdue's defeat marked the end of Smith's and Loyer's four-year career as Boilermakers.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

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3/28/26 Arizona, Cluff shoots — Senior center Oscar Cluff shoots during Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Cluff led the Boilermakers with 14 points.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

Senior center Oscar Cluff shoots during Saturday's Elite Eight game against Arizona at SAP Center in San Jose, California. Cluff led the Boilermakers with 14 points.
Andrew Coleman | Photo & Video Editor

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WATCH: Painter, players reflect on final loss, senior trio’s collegiate career

Purdue senior trio takes last collegiate steps in Elite Eight

Harmonic Delivers Winning Live Sports Streaming Innovations

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