Who Won the NCAA Championship in Basketball 2024?

By Sarah Miller · April 28, 2040

The University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies won the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, defeating Purdue 75-60 in the final game held on April 8, 2024. This victory marked UConn's second consecutive national title and their sixth in program history, solidifying their status as a modern college basketball powerhouse.

2024 NCAA Championship: A Dominant Repeat Performance

UConn made history in the 2024 NCAA Tournament by becoming the first team since Florida in 2006–07 to win back-to-back national championships. Under head coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies displayed exceptional consistency, defense, and depth throughout the season and tournament.

Key Highlights from the 2024 Final

Championship Game: UConn vs. Purdue – April 8, 2024, at State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Final Score: UConn 75, Purdue 60
Tournament MOP: Tristen Newton, UConn guard
Undefeated in March: UConn went a perfect 6-0 in the 2024 tournament
Back-to-Back Titles: First repeat champion in 17 years

Recent NCAA Champions: 2020–2024

Over the past five completed seasons, several programs have claimed the sport’s top prize. The table below outlines recent champions, runners-up, scores, and key players.

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Score	Most Outstanding Player	Head Coach
2024	UConn	Purdue	75–60	Tristen Newton	Dan Hurley
2023	UConn	San Diego State	76–59	Adama Sanogo	Dan Hurley
2022	Kentucky	North Carolina	77–71	Ochai Agbaji	John Calipari
2021	Baylor	Gonzaga	86–70	Jared Butler	Scott Drew
2019	Virginia	Tennessee	85–77	Kyle Guy	Tony Bennett

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a trend toward dominant performances in recent finals, with four of the last five championship games decided by 15 or more points. UConn stands out with two titles in this span, joining elite company. Their ability to maintain high-level play across multiple seasons highlights superior coaching and player development.

How the NCAA Tournament Works

The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament is a 68-team single-elimination tournament held annually in March and April. Known as "March Madness," it captivates fans nationwide with its unpredictability and dramatic upsets.

Tournament Structure Overview

Selection Sunday: Announcement of the 68 teams
First Four: Play-in games in Dayton, Ohio
First & Second Rounds: Regional sites across the U.S.
Regional Semifinals (Sweet 16) and Finals (Elite Eight): Four regional brackets
Final Four: National semifinals and championship game

Why UConn’s 2024 Win Was Historic

UConn’s 2024 championship was not just another title—it was a statement. Here's why it resonated across college basketball:

Repeat Champion: Only the fifth team in the past 50 years to win consecutive titles
Defensive Excellence: Held Purdue, the nation’s top-ranked offense, to 60 points
Balanced Attack: Five UConn players averaged double-digit scoring in the tournament
Coaching Legacy: Dan Hurley cemented his reputation as one of the top coaches in the game

Frequently Asked Questions About the NCAA Basketball Championship

Who won the 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship?

The University of Connecticut (UConn) won the 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship by defeating Purdue 75–60 in the final game on April 8, 2024.

Has any team repeated as NCAA champion recently?

Yes—UConn won both the 2023 and 2024 NCAA championships, becoming the first team to repeat since Florida in 2006 and 2007.

What was the score in the 2024 NCAA championship game?

The final score was UConn 75, Purdue 60. UConn controlled the game from the start, leading by double digits for much of the second half.

Who was named Most Outstanding Player in 2024?

Tristen Newton, UConn’s senior guard, was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after averaging 14.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game.