NCAA Championship: Purdue vs UConn Odds, and Picks (2024)

• Purdue held off NC State in the Final Four, winning 63-50 to advance to the title game.
• UConn dominated their opponent once again, this time storming past Alabama, 86-72.
• These two teams last matched up on March 26, 2009, in a game that UConn won 72-60.

The 2024 NCAA Tournament Championship Game is set! Let’s take a look at this thrilling clash between the Purdue Boilermakers and the UConn Huskies. UConn is aiming to become the first repeat champions since the Florida Gators all the way back in 2007.

How to Watch

• TBS

Preview

Purdue carved their way to a national title game on the back of massive 7’4 center Zach Edey. In their win over NC State, Edey posted yet another double-double, racking up 20 points and 12 rebounds. What can’t be overstated, however, is the importance of Purdue’s guards, which provided Edey and the Boilermakers with the offensive support they so desperately needed in the last three years. They’ll need every player to make an impact against a balanced UConn team that will pressure them in all areas.

UConn has now won 11 straight tournament games by 13 or more points, continuing their sheer dominance over the competition. Repeating as champions is incredibly difficult, especially after losing a player like Adama Sanogo, who now plays for the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. That being said, coach of the year Dan Hurley managed to bring in even more talent over the offseason, alllowing the Huskies to stay a juggernaut. The increased impact of Donovan Clingan, who will match up with Edey, has also been crucial.

Prediction

This should be an excellent championship game between the two very best teams in the country. A massive portion of this game will come down to the matchup between Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan. That being said, it won’t be the only factor in this matchup. Both teams have excellent defenses, but the Huskies defense is especially suffocating. I see them limiting open shots for the Boilermakers, and wearing them down over time. I’ll take UConn to repeat as champions and cover the spread as well.

NCAAB Picks:

• UConn 81, Purdue 72 (CONN -6.5)