UConn secured its sixth national championship win on Monday night, marking the first program to achieve back-to-back titles since 2007. Led by coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies dominated their NCAA tournament match against Purdue, ultimately clinching a 75-60 victory in the national championship game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This win solidified UConn’s sixth national title since 1999, making them the first team to successfully defend their championship in 17 years. Despite some late-game drama, here are the top five standout moments from the 2024 national championship game.
In the first half, Purdue’s Zach Edey showcased his skills by outperforming UConn’s Donovan Clingan with 16 points. Edey notably threw down a massive alley-oop dunk over Clingan, highlighting his dominance inside the paint. The Purdue center continued his strong performance with back-to-back blocks on the defensive end, helping to keep the Boilermakers competitive early on. However, despite Edey’s efforts, UConn maintained a 36-30 lead at halftime, marking the first time Purdue had trailed at the half throughout the tournament.
UConn opened the second half with an 11-5 run, effectively shutting down Edey and seizing control of the game. Tristen Newton and Samson Johnson connected for a pair of lobs, further extending the Huskies’ lead. Newton, honored as the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, followed up with an impressive layup that defied the odds, solidifying UConn’s momentum. With Edey struggling to score for over 10 minutes, the Huskies comfortably cruised to victory and secured their national title.
Although the outcome was already decided, Camden Heide delivered a memorable moment with a spectacular putback dunk early in the second half. Heide’s one-handed slam electrified fans and captured the tournament’s best dunk. Meanwhile, a humorous incident involving coach Dan Hurley nearly resulted in an ejection during the final minutes of the game. Hurley received a warning from officials after accidentally pushing UConn guard Cam Spencer while on the court. Despite the close call, Hurley’s coaching prowess and leadership have fueled UConn’s rise to prominence in college basketball.
Hurley’s success with the Huskies has established a powerful dynasty in Storrs, placing him among the ranks of elite college basketball coaches. With a historic sixth national championship under their belt, UConn’s back-to-back title victories exemplify their resilience and determination. The Huskies’ dominant performance in the 2024 NCAA tournament showcases their ability to overcome challenges and emerge as a dominant force in collegiate basketball. As they celebrate this remarkable achievement, UConn solidifies its status as a powerhouse program with a rich tradition of excellence.
