Who Won NCAA Basketball 2025? UConn Claims Title

By Sarah Miller · April 26, 2031

UConn Huskies won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 2025, defeating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 in the national final held on April 7, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. It marked UConn's sixth title in program history and second consecutive championship.

2025 NCAA Basketball Tournament Overview

The 2025 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament concluded with the University of Connecticut (UConn) claiming its place as the nation's top team. The tournament featured 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format across four regions, culminating in the Final Four in Houston.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Tournament

UConn entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the East Region.
Purdue, led by head coach Matt Painter, earned a No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.
Dan Hurley became the first coach since Billy Donovan (Florida, 2006–2007) to win back-to-back national titles with the same team.
Saint Peter’s made a Cinderella run to the Elite Eight as an 8-seed, defeating Kentucky and Tennessee.
The championship game was televised nationally on CBS and streamed via March Madness Live.

UConn’s Path to the 2025 Championship

Under head coach Dan Hurley, UConn demonstrated dominance throughout the season and postseason. The Huskies finished the regular season with a 31-3 record and won both the Big East regular-season and tournament titles.

Tournament Bracket Breakdown

First Round: Defeated FAU 84-64
Second Round: Beat Saint Mary's 78-67
Regional Semifinal (Sweet 16): Overcame Illinois 71-66
Regional Final (Elite Eight): Defeated Gonzaga 82-70
Final Four: Won against Alabama 78-75 in overtime
National Championship: Dominated Purdue 75-60

Purdue’s Road to the Final

Purdue, led by star center Zach Edey (a two-time Naismith Award winner), advanced to their first-ever national championship game in school history. Despite Edey’s strong performance, the Boilermakers struggled offensively in the final minutes against UConn’s elite defense.

Why Purdue Fell Short

Limited offensive options beyond Edey
Struggled with three-point shooting (7-for-27 in final)
Turnovers proved costly (12 total, 6 in second half)
UConn effectively neutralized pick-and-roll actions

Detailed 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Statistics

Statistic	UConn	Purdue
Field Goal Percentage	48.2%	39.1%
Three-Pointers	8-21 (38.1%)	7-27 (25.9%)
Free Throws	11-14 (78.6%)	14-20 (70.0%)
Rebounds	38	31
Assists	17	10
Turnovers	9	12
Points in Paint	36	28
Fast Break Points	12	6

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical edge clearly favored UConn, particularly in field goal efficiency and ball movement. Their 17 assists reflected superior team cohesion, while limiting Purdue to under 40% shooting showcased defensive discipline. UConn’s ability to score inside and control tempo was decisive.

Most Outstanding Player and Awards

Tristen Newton, UConn’s senior guard, was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP) after averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. His clutch performance in the Final Four (24 points, 7 assists vs. Alabama) cemented his legacy.

Bob Cousy Award (Top PG): Tristen Newton, UConn
Naismith College Player of the Year: Zach Edey, Purdue
John R. Wooden Award: Zach Edey, Purdue
AP Player of the Year: Zach Edey, Purdue

Who Won NCAA Basketball 2025? Final Recap

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship solidified UConn as a modern dynasty. With a disciplined, defensively sound, and balanced attack, they overcame elite competition to win their second straight title. Coach Dan Hurley joined an elite group of coaches with consecutive championships, while Purdue’s quest for a first title ended just short despite Zach Edey’s historic season.

Frequently Asked Questions About NCAA Basketball 2025

Who won the NCAA men's basketball championship in 2025?

UConn Huskies won the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Purdue 75-60 in the final game on April 7, 2025.

Where was the 2025 NCAA championship game held?

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game was held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on April 7, 2025.

Was Zach Edey drafted after the 2025 season?

Yes, Zach Edey declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and was selected 3rd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies after a dominant college career at Purdue.

Did any underdog teams make a deep run in the 2025 tournament?

Yes, Saint Peter’s, an 8-seed from the MAAC, made a surprise run to the Elite Eight, defeating Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wisconsin before losing to UConn in the Final Four.