Who Won NCAA Basketball 2024? UConn Claims Title

By Sarah Miller · January 24, 2032

UConn won the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Purdue 75-60 in the national title game on April 8, 2024. The Huskies completed a dominant tournament run, securing their second consecutive national championship and fifth in program history.

2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Overview

The 2024 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament concluded with the University of Connecticut (UConn) claiming the national title. Head coach Dan Hurley led the Huskies to a commanding victory over Purdue in the final, cementing their status as one of the most dominant programs in recent college basketball history.

Tournament Highlights

Championship Game: UConn vs. Purdue, April 8, 2024
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Final Score: UConn 75, Purdue 60
MVP: Tristen Newton, UConn
UConn became the first team since Florida in 2006–2007 to win back-to-back titles

UConn's Road to the Championship

The Huskies entered the tournament as a No. 1 seed in the East Region. They displayed consistent excellence throughout, winning six games by an average margin of 14.5 points.

Key Wins En Route to the Title

Round of 64: Defeated FAU 81-67
Round of 32: Beat San Diego State 87-71
Elite Eight: Overcame Illinois 77-52
Final Four: Dominated Alabama 86-72
National Championship: Crushed Purdue 75-60

Purdue's Historic Season and Final Run

Purdue, led by consensus National Player of the Year Zach Edey, entered the final as the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. The Boilermakers finished the season with a 35-5 record, marking one of the best seasons in school history.

Why Purdue Fell Short

Lack of spacing against UConn’s switching defense
Edey held to 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting
Team struggled from three-point range (5-of-23)
Inability to contain UConn’s guard play, especially Newton and Clingan

Team	Seed	Record	Points Scored (Final)	Rebounds	Assists
UConn	1	37-3	75	38	15
Purdue	1	35-5	60	29	10

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates UConn’s superiority in key statistical categories. They outrebounded Purdue by nine and controlled tempo with superior ball movement. Their defensive discipline limited Purdue’s efficient offense, forcing tough shots late in the game.

Historical Context: Back-to-Back Champions

UConn’s 2024 title marks only the second time in the past two decades that a team has won consecutive championships. The last was Florida in 2006 and 2007. This achievement underscores the Huskies’ exceptional coaching, player development, and roster continuity.

Only five programs have won consecutive titles since 1990
UConn joins Duke, Florida, and Kansas as repeat champions in modern era
Dan Hurley is now one of only eight coaches to win back-to-back titles

Frequently Asked Questions About NCAA Basketball Champions

Who won the 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship?

UConn won the 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship, defeating Purdue 75-60 in the final game held on April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona.

Has any team won back-to-back NCAA championships recently?

Yes, UConn won both the 2023 and 2024 NCAA men's basketball championships, becoming the first team to do so since Florida in 2006 and 2007.

Who was named Most Outstanding Player in the 2024 Final Four?

Tristen Newton of UConn was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2024 NCAA Final Four after averaging 17.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during the Final Four weekend.

What was Zach Edey's performance in the 2024 championship game?

Zach Edey, Purdue’s star center and National Player of the Year, scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds but shot just 5-of-12 and was limited by UConn’s physical front line and defensive strategy.