The moment of truth is here and we're ahead as Naismith Player of the Year Zach Edey and Purdue take on defending champion UConn in back-to-back games.
In a season full of ties, the top two teams in college basketball finally made it to the national championship. This game looks like the perfect end to an unforgettable tournament.
Much of the focus will be on the battle of the big players when the 7-foot Edey takes on the Huskies' 7-foot Donovan Clingan. As this plays out, there's also a thrilling showdown with the Guards that could decide the outcome of the game.
It's No. 1 UConn (36-3), trying to win back-to-back titles for the first time since Florida in the 2006-07 season. It's No. 1 Purdue (34-4), still looking for redemption after losing to No. 16 seed in the first round of last year's tournament.
They couldn't write it better, but which team will write the ending? Stay tuned throughout the day as we follow the action in Phoenix.
Men's NCAA Championship
9:20 p.m. ET – No. 1 UConn vs. No. 1 Purdue (TBS)
live36 updates
- Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:58 p.m. CDT
I think we might be done here. Alex Karaban just hit a corner 3, and then Hassan Diarra was practicing a quick break layup.
The Huskies are now up 56-40 with 9:27 left.
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:51 p.m. CDT
I have no idea how Tristen Newton did it, but he did it. UConn is rolling now.
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:43 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey hasn't scored in more than 10 minutes and UConn is ahead by double digits with 15 minutes left
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:39 p.m. CDT
OH MY.
What a dunk from Camden Heide that got us going in the second half.
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:33 p.m. CDT
The second half takes place in Arizona
Dan Hurley came running out in the second half with the collar of his suit coat turned up, someone had to yell at him to turn it down. He was on the verge of making a breakthrough.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:29 p.m. CDT
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:25 p.m. CDT
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The story of the first half is UConn's defensive strategy.
Determined not to lose to Zach Edey's supporting cast, the Huskies defended the Purdue giant 1-on-1 and eliminated Purdue's 3-pointers.
The previous approach was effective. Edey had 16 points in the first half, but Purdue didn't attempt its third 3-pointer until he launched the ball all over the court at the halftime siren.
36-30 UConn at halftime…
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 9:16 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey leads all scorers at halftime
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 9:11 p.m. CDT
Halftime: UConn 36, Purdue 30
Purdue drained just two 3-pointers in the first half, and Zach Edey and Braden Smith combined for all but five points, but the Boilermakers are still in it at halftime.
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 9:09 p.m. CDT
Coach Keady did his best tonight in Arizona
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:03 p.m. CDT
Braden Smith hit Purdue's first 3-pointer of the night with just 2:22 left in the first half. We have another one-possession game
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:58 p.m. CDT
UConn just went on a 9-2 run to grab a five-point lead at the U4 timeout. Purdue's only basket during that stretch? A throwback from Zach Edey
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:53 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey and Dan Hurley are trying hard tonight.
The game gets a little spicy. Edey stared at the UConn bench after his final basket and exchanged a few words between Hurley and Edey on the way to the huddle at the timeout. Hurley yells “What the hell is that?” twice at officers after Edey was not called to an illegal display.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:50 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey now has more than just four. So far he has dominated Donovan Clingan internally.
According to Synergy, Donovan Clingan allowed five post-up buckets all year. Zach Edey scored four post-game shots in the first eight minutes.
He's just different.
— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:47 p.m. CDT
It certainly looked that way after the last hook shot. Zach Edey is unstoppable so far.
Did Edey just stare at Dan Hurley?
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:39 p.m. CDT
UConn takes an 18-16 lead into the U12 timeout. Zach Edey's scored Purdue's final 11 points, single-handedly keeping the Boilermakers in control early.
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:37 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey with a huge dunk over Donovan Clingan, and then he followed that up with some ridiculous blocks on the other end. What a start for the Boilermakers
Monday, April 8, 2024, 8:32 p.m. CDT
Cam Spencer is 3 of 3 from the field so far tonight, so this strategy may not be the best.
Something to keep an eye on: UConn punishes Zach Edey's drop coverage by having Clingan set up ball screens for its best shooter, Cam Spencer. No idea how Purdue can combat this other than…I hope he misses?!
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) April 9, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:29 p.m. CDT
Zach Edey has now successfully assisted Donovan Clingan twice, but the Huskies lead 11-9 at the first media timeout. So far we're having a fight
Monday, April 8, 2024 at 8:22 p.m. CDT
Purdue controls tips and we're in Arizona.
Monday, April 8, 2024, 9:25 p.m. CDT
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