UConn wins back-to-back NCAA championships: Huskies continue dominant run, thwarting Purdue for sixth title

UConn repeats as champions

Final: (1) UConn 75, (1) Purdue 60

The repeat is complete.

No. 1 overall seed UConn routed No. 1 seed Purdue 75-60 to become the first team since Florida in 2006-07 to repeat as national champions. The Huskies completed a historic tournament run that included six wins by double-digits to win their sixth championship in program history. UConn is now tied with North Carolina for the third-most national championships all-time behind Kentucky and UCLA.

The Huskies led nearly wire-to-wire after Purdue came out hot in the opening minutes of the first half. UConn used a balanced scoring attack led by All-American guard Tristen Newton (20 points), freshman star Stephon Castle (15 points), and sharpshooter Cam Spencer (11 points). UConn never trailed after falling behind 23-21 with 8:07 remaining in the opening frame.

Purdue star big man Zach Edey finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds in the final game of his college career. Boilermakers coach Matt Painter mentioned in February that Edey planned on declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, meaning this is the end of the road for the two-time National Player of the Year. Edey recorded at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in seven consecutive NCAA Tournament games.

Purdue was making its first appearance in the title game since 1969. The Boilermakers came into the title game as one of the top 3-point shooting teams in the country. As a team, Purdue only attempted seven shots from beyond the arc. UConn's game plan was to limit shots from distance, and they did it by rarely double-teaming Edey when Clingan was on the floor.

UConn is the eighth different program to repeat as champions. Oklahoma State, Kentucky, UCLA, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Duke and Florida did it previously.

Zach Edey not going quietly

Zach Edey's final college game likely isn't going to have the outcome he dreamed of, but the 7-foot-4 superstar is going to go out with a big box score. He's up to 29 points and nine rebounds on 11 of 21 shooting. Part of that is how UConn has played defense — rarely sending double-teams — but it also shows just how dominant of a singular force he is. Ultimately, he's just matched up against a better all-around team.

UConn can taste it

Late 2H: (1) UConn 65, (1) Purdue 49

UConn is just minutes away from becoming the first team since Florida to repeat as national champions. The Huskies extended their lead to as many as 18 points and used a balanced scoring attack in the second half to pull away. UConn star Tristen Newton has a team-high 16 points.

Boilermakers struggling

Purdue is now just 3 of 12 from the floor in the second half and getting its doors blown off by a historically dominant UConn team that is just relentless. Not only are the Boilermakers struggling offensively, but their misses are leading to transition possessions for the Huskies, who are putting Purdue in a blender and getting good looks. The Boilermakers are not built to come back from big deficits, and UConn is making that even more difficult than usual with its stifling defense of the 3-point line.

Purdue is on the ropes

The second half has been more of the same offensively for Purdue, which can't get 3-point attempts up. The Boilermakers are in the danger of becoming the 12th straight team to lose by double-digits against UConn in NCAA Tournament action. Purdue is just 3 of 11 from the floor in the second half, and Edey is now just 8 of 17 from the floor. UConn's defense has been elite, and it doesn't look like Purdue has any answers with the way the Huskies are taking away the 3-point line.

UConn pulling away

MID 2H: (1) UConn 51, (1) Purdue 38

With UConn star big man Donovan Clingan off the floor, the Huskies are doubling Purdue star Zach Edey in the paint. With Clingan in, UConn was guarding the two-time National Player of the Year one-on-one. On the first possession with Clingan off the floor, UConn brought the double, and Edey turned it over. Clingan checked back in after a brief rest because backup big man Samson Johnson picked up his fourth foul.

UConn extends lead

Early 2H: (1) UConn 43, (1) Purdue 34

UConn star big man Donovan Clingan just picked up his third foul right before the first media timeout of the second half. Clingan has been guarding Purdue star big man Zach Edey all night, and it will be interesting to see if UConn coach Dan Hurley keeps him in. UConn All-American guard Tristen Newton is up to 14 points.

Nasty dunk from Purdue's Cam Heide

Purdue reserve Camden Heide threw down a nasty follow dunk after a Zach Edey miss. He tore down the lane, rose at the perfect time, caught it in his outstretched right hand and threw it down on an unsuspecting Cam Spencer. That could be a late addition to One Shining Moment, even if the Boilermakers don't win. That's a level of athleticism and highlight-reel ability that you don't often see from Purdue.

Purdue's problem

Zach Edey led Purdue with 16 points in the first half but went scoreless over the final 5:46 as UConn extended its lead from 26-25 to 36-30. Braden Smith has nine points in support of the star big man, but there are few high-percentage looks available for Purdue outside of Edey. UConn is bigger and more athletic than the Boilermakers and was mostly content in the first half to go 1-on-1 against Edey. That has prevented Edey's supporting cast from getting going and left the onus squarely on Edey's back.

Purdue goes quiet

Braden Smith hit a huge 3-pointer at the 2:18 mark with the shot clock winding down. That was Purdue's first make from beyond the arc in the half and only its second attempt. He got it off over 6-foot-8 Alex Karaban with the help of a Zach Edey screen. But it was the last bucket of the half for the Boilermakers, who might feel fortunate to be down just six points at the break. Cam Spencer missed an open floater on UConn's final possession that would have made it a three-possession game.

UConn leads at halftime

HALF: (1) UConn 36, (1) Purdue 30

We have reached halftime from Glendale, Arizona, and the first 20 minutes of game action have certainly lived up to the hype. UConn led for over 12 minutes and will take a six-point lead into the locker room. Someone other than Tristen Newton, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, and Hassan Diarra finally scored for the Huskies late in the firts half when UConn star freshman Stephon Castle got on the board with a jumper. Newton has a team-high 11 points, while Spencer, Clingan, and Diarra all have seven. 

Purdue is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the country, and UConn didn't allow a make from distance until Braden Smith connected with 2:18 left in the half. The Boilermakers only attempted two 3-pointers in the opening frame. 

Purdue needs help

Purdue needs something, anything, from its supporting cast. Zach Edey is carrying the Boilermakers even more so than usual. UConn is countering with a balanced scoring attack, per usual. Players not named Zach Edey are now a combined 4 of 13 for Purdue. UConn is doing an excellent job of using its size advantage to keep the Boilermakers from even considering outside shots. The only player to attempt a trey for the Boilermakers so far is little-used reserve Myles Colvin, who bricked one from the left elbow at the 11:33 mark.

Clingan, Newton, Spencer and Diarra pacing UConn

Late 1H: (1) UConn 30, (1) Purdue 25

Only four players have scored for UConn 16 minutes into this national title game. Tristen Newton has a team-high nine points, and Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, and Hassan Diarra all have seven. UConn is on a 9-2 run over the last four minutes, and Purdue has missed six of its last seven shots.

Edey's breather

Purdue coach Matt Painter opted to get a breather for Zach Edey coming out of the u8 media timeout. UConn immediately went inside to Donovan Clingan, who scored over reserve Purdue big man Caleb Furst. After one Purdue offensive possession that consisted of a missed Fletcher Loyer floater, Edey returned. That might be the only time he comes off the floor.

Foul trouble on both sides

MID 1H: (1) UConn 23, (1) Purdue 23

UConn star Donovan Clingan has played more than 30 minutes only three times this season. With backup big man Samson Johnson heading to the bench after picking up his second foul, it will be interesting to follow how many minutes Clingan logs. The Huskies have six team fouls with 6:50 left in the half. The next foul will result in free throws for the rest of the frame for the Boilermakers. UConn star freshman Stephon Castle has been held scoreless after having a breakout performance against Alabama last weekend. UConn All-American guard Tristen Newton has seven points.

All on the inside 

Purdue entered ranked No. 2 nationally in 3-point shooting percentage at 40.6%. The Boilermakers averaged 8.3 makes per game from beyond the arc. But it's been all about the interior early. Purdue has attempted just one 3-pointer through 13+ minutes and is outscoring UConn 16-8 in the paint behind 14 points from Zach Edey, who is 6 of 8 from the floor. The rest of Purdue's team is 4 of 10.

Halfcourt style of play

MID 1H: (1) UConn 18, (1) Purdue 16

UConn is having a tough time (like most teams this season) slowing down Purdue star Zach Edey. The two-time Naismith Player of the Year has 11 points already. UConn star center Donovan Clingan picked up his first foul and will head to the bench. UConn backup big man Samson Johnson replaced him, and he will take on the enormous task of guarding Edey. Less than a minute after he checked into the game, Johnson picked up a foul. This game has been played mostly in the half-court. It will be interesting if either team elects to speed up the pace.

Edey is on 

Zach Edey is on his game early for Purdue, making a huge impact on both ends of the floor. Donovan Clingan is not providing the defensive foil that was expected, and Edey is also blocking shots on defense. He's showing why he is the repeat Naismith Award winner. With Clingan now heading to the bench, Samson Johnson will get a crack at defending Edey, who is dominating early.

UConn up early

Early 1H: (1) UConn 11, (1) Purdue 9

On the first possession, Purdue tossed the ball inside to star big man Zach Edey, and UConn center Donovan Clingan was there to meet him inside the paint. Clingan forced him into a contested shot, but Edey has four quick points. UConn sharpshooter Cam Spencer knocked down his first 3-pointer of the night to get the scoring going for the reigning national champs and has a game-high seven points.

Tough matchup for Braden Smith

Interesting to see Dan Hurley starting out with Stephon Castle guarding Purdue point guard Braden Smith. At 6-foot-6, Castle may have the size and length to disrupt Smith, who struggled with turnovers in the Boilermakers' semifinal victory. The onus is going to be on Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Lance Jones to rise to the occasion tonight and match UConn's elite backcourt play. At the first media timeout, that trio is a combined 1 of 1 from the floor with a 3-point play from Lance Jones accounting for the entirety of the Purdue backcourt's offensive contributions.

Starters for the national title game

(1) Purdue

• G: Braden Smith
• G: Fletcher Loyer
• G: Lance Jones
• F: Trey Kaufman-Renn
• C: Zach Edey

(1) UConn

• G: Tristen Newton
• G: Stephon Castle
• G: Cam Spencer
• F: Alex Karaban
• C: Donovan Clingan

What to watch for in UConn-Purdue

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Good evening from State Farm Stadium, where No. 1 overall seed UConn takes on No. 1 seed Purdue in the 2024 men's NCAA Tournament championship. UConn looking to go back-to-back for the first time since Florida in 2006 and 2007. Purdue trying to win its first-ever men's national championship. All the storylines!

UConn (36-3) is a 7-point favorite in this one after winning each of its NCAA Tournament games by double figures. But I talked with some people in the Purdue universe who are cautiously optimistic about their chances. They think they have a real shot (they do!) but they also feel they HAVE to take care of the ball to keep the pressure on UConn. Can't beat themselves. If they can stay out of their own way they feel they have the horses to go the distance and potentially pull this off.

No team has really given UConn much of a challenge in weeks, but no team, I'd argue, has the balance, shooting and star power -- led by 7-foot-4 big man Zach Edey -- that the Boilermakers have. And for kicks: Purdue fans are VERY well-represented here in Glendale. Boilers fans showed up big time. 

UConn's key advantage in the championship game

While the focus on this title game matchup is between Purdue's Zach Edey and UConn's Donovan Clingan, guard play still matters in the NCAA Tournament. UConn has one of the best guards in the country in Tristen Newton and a future lottery pick (Stephon Castle) in the backcourt. CBS Sports Adi Joseph broke down why UConn has the advantage in the backcourt.

UConn vs. Purdue: Step aside, Zach Edey, as Huskies have crucial size advantage -- in backcourt

Adi Joseph

How previous title games between No. 1 seeds ended

The matchup for the national championship game is set for Monday night in Glendale, Arizona, and it will feature No. 1 overall seed and reigning national champion UConn facing No. 1 seed Purdue. The last game of the 2023-24 college basketball season will mark the 10th matchup between No. 1 seeds for the national title.

Here is a look at the previous nine title game matchups between No. 1 seeds.

2024 NCAA championship game: UConn vs. Purdue is 10th time No. 1 seeds meet with title on the line

Cameron Salerno

How Purdue and UConn reached the title game

Purdue's road to the title game included wins over No. 16 seed Grambling in the first round, No. 8 seed Utah State in the second round, No. 5 seed Gonzaga in the Sweet 16 and No. 2 seed Tennessee in the Elite Eight. The Boilermakers eliminated NC State last weekend to advance.

UConn opened the NCAA Tournament with a 91-52 win over No. 16 Stetson and defeated No. 9 seed Northwestern 75-58 to advance to the second weekend. In the Sweet 16, a title game rematch from last season, the Huskies knocked off No. 5 seed San Diego State 82-52 and then steamrolled No. 3 Illinois 77-52 in the Elite Eight. No. 4 seed Alabama offered the toughest to this point, but UConn pulled away down the stretch for the 86-72 win.

2024 NCAA basketball championship game: UConn vs. Purdue matchup set as March Madness concludes

Cameron Salerno

Who has the edge in UConn vs. Purdue?

The matchup between 7-foot-4 Purdue star Zach Edey and 7-foot-2 UConn center Donovan Clingan is the most anticipated individual battle of the season. The dueling giants patrol the paint with force and dominate games in unique ways. Edey is a ruthlessly efficient scorer, while Clingan is a shot-swatting defender and ubiquitous lob threat on offense.

CBS Sports' David Cobb broke down who has the edge in the backcourt, frontcourt, bench and more.

2024 NCAA championship: Breaking down who has the edge in UConn vs. Purdue matchup

David Cobb

Can Purdue compete its redemption story?

Last spring, Purdue lost to No. 16 seed FDU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers became only the second No. 1 seed to lose in the first round, joining Virginia's loss to UMBC in 2018. Virginia won the title the following season, and Purdue will have a chance to do the same on Monday.

Purdue remembers last year's loss to a No. 16 seed, but knows Virginia won a title after it did the same thing

Dennis Dodd

Storylines for the title game

Monday night's title tilt between UConn and Purdue (9:20 p.m. ET, TBS and March Madness Live) will be just the 10th meeting of No. 1 seeds in the national championship game since seeding began in 1979. And as Dan Hurley said on Saturday night, it truly is great for men's college basketball to have this kind of title game between two teams that have been at the top of the sport not just for this season but really over the last two years. The difference between the two obviously being that UConn won the national championship last year while Purdue was the second-ever No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed in the first round of the tournament.

2024 March Madness live stream: NCAA Tournament championship game TV schedule, watch streaming online Monday

Chip Patterson

Expert picks for UConn vs. Purdue

Purdue's matchup with UConn will be on for the ages. Our CBS Sports experts made their picks on who will cut down the nets. The reigning national champions are a 6.5-point favorite, and Matt Norlander, David Cobb, and Chip Patterson are rolling the Huskies to cover the spread. 

2024 NCAA championship game predictions: UConn vs. Purdue expert picks, odds, March Madness bracket

Kyle Boone

Purdue's Zach Edey vs. UConn's Donovan Clingan is the key matchup

College basketball's biggest game of the season will be played Monday night inside State Farm Stadium. So, it's only fitting that on the sport's biggest stage with the biggest possible stakes, the head-to-head matchup between the two biggest players -- Zach Edeyof Purdue and Donovan Clingan of UConn -- will likely determine which team cuts down the nets in the NCAA Tournament championship game.

Zach Edey vs. Donovan Clingan: How duel of Purdue and UConn's 7-footers will determine national championship

Kyle Boone