Connecticut was untouchable. The Huskies won their sixth NCAA title on Monday by outclassing Purdue in the final (75-60) in Phoenix. The logical conclusion of March Madness and a season of domination by Dan Hurley's players, champions for the second consecutive season, unheard of since Joakim Noah's Florida in 2006 and 2007.
Purdue lasted a quarter of an hour in this final, largely on the shoulders of mammoth Zach Edey. The Canadian pivot played his game, and even more, with 37 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. But UConn was perfectly successful in isolating Edey and completely preventing his teammates from getting into the rhythm. Usually one of the most prolific 3-point teams in the country, the Boilermakers were completely shut down by Connecticut's guards with a miniscule 1/7 behind the arc. Still in contact at the break (36-30), they ended up irresistibly losing their footing, beaten in all areas of the game.
Tristen Newton, MOP 2024
If the pivot Donovan Clinganexpected in the heights of the next draft, could do nothing to limit Edey under the circle, the trio Stephon Castle (15 points, 5 rebounds), Cam Spencer (11 points and 8 rebounds) and Tristen Newton (20 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists without the slightest lost ball) dominated on both sides of the floor. Newton, who was in his final year of university this season, was voted Most Outstanding Player, a year after having already shone during the Huskies' coronation match (19 points, 10 rebounds).
Connecticut concludes its perfect March Madness with an average difference of 23.3 points in its victories. This sixth national coronation allows UConn to climb onto the podium of the most successful programs in the history of men's university basketball, level with North Carolina and behind UCLA and Kentucky.
