Answer Summary
The most recent NCAA men's basketball championship was contested in 2024 for the 2023–24 season. That national title was won by the UConn Huskies, who defeated the Purdue Boilermakers 75–60 on March 29, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This was UConn’s fifth NCAA men’s title and first since 2014, under head coach Dan Hurley. Below, we break down the season, the tournament run, notable players, and provide verified context on this championship.
Season and Championship Timeline
The NCAA Division I men’s basketball season culminating in the championship game concluded in March 2024. The championship game on March 29, 2024, was the final event of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four and tournament, often referred to within the 2023–24 academic season. This marked the conclusion of selection, conference tournaments, and the six-round main draw that began in mid-March.
Key Championship Game Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | UConn Huskies | NCAA & official statistics |
| Runner-up | Purdue Boilermakers | NCAA & official statistics |
| Score | UConn 75, Purdue 60 | NCAA Box Score |
| Date | March 29, 2024 | NCAA Schedule |
| Venue | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona | NCAA & Event Site |
| Winning Head Coach | Dan Hurley | NCAA & Official Roster |
Path to the Championship
UConn entered the 2024 tournament as a No. 4 seed in the East Region and advanced through six rounds with balanced scoring, stout defense, and a deep roster. Key victories included a regional final against Tennessee and a Final Four win over Houston. The championship game showcased disciplined ball movement and inside-out offense, limiting Purdue to under 26 percent from three-point range while protecting a comfortable lead after halftime.
Notable Players and Contributions
While many contributors played roles, a handful of performers stood out during the championship run. Guard Tristen Newton and forward Donovan Clingan were central in multiple high-leverage games, demonstrating scoring versatility and rim protection. Veteran presence and role-player shooting throughout the roster allowed UConn to adapt matchups and maintain momentum across the tournament.
Historical Context
With this title, UConn moved to five NCAA men’s championships, joining a short list of programs with multiple national titles in the modern college basketball era. The win also extended Dan Hurley’s head coaching portfolio to include this championship, adding to prior conference success and reinforcing program stability in the years preceding this victory.
What This Championship Represents
NCAA men’s basketball championships reflect sustained excellence across recruiting, development, and in-game execution. UConn’s 2024 title emphasized strong team defense, efficient offense, and coaching continuity. These elements are widely recognized as durable predictors of program success over single seasons and are central to how programs build and maintain national relevance in college basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which season did this championship conclude? It concluded the 2023–24 NCAA Division I season.
- Who was the head coach? Dan Hurley led UConn to the championship.
- Where was the game played? State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- How many national titles does UConn have with this win? Five NCAA men’s basketball championships.
- Who was the runner-up? The Purdue Boilermakers.
Key Takeaways
- 2024 NCAA men’s champion: UConn Huskies
- Defeated Purdue 75–60 on March 29, 2024
- Head coach: Dan Hurley
- Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Program significance: Fifth NCAA men’s title for UConn