Monday night’s national championship game between UConn and Purdue will be big — literally.
While both teams have a balanced attack, the matchup between big men Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey could define the 40 minutes that determine a champion. Clingan isn’t the offensive force Edey has proven to be, but his NBA-caliber defense in the paint has wreaked havoc on opposing teams throughout the NCAA Tournament. Edey, on the other hand, gives Purdue a potential match for Clingan that no other team has had in this tournament.
On-court storylines aren’t hard to find. Will Purdue’s Braden Smith bounce back from a rough night against NC State? Will UConn freshman Stephon Castle rise to the moment again after an impressive display vs. Alabama? Which impact transfer, Lance Jones or Cam Spencer, will be the X-factor?
MORE: Where does Zach Edey rank all-time in college basketball?
Beyond the players themselves, the storylines couldn’t be clearer. UConn is aiming to become the first team in 16 years to win back-to-back national championships, and coach Dan Hurley would join an esteemed group of coaches if the team can pull it off.
Purdue, meanwhile, can match Virginia’s 2019 run and win a title just one year after a devastating defeat at the hands of a No. 16 seed. Matt Painter’s squad entered the year knowing all that mattered is how the Boilermakers performed in March, and now April can bring Purdue its first NCAA Tournament title in program history.
UConn knows its place as the favorite, even against a fellow No. 1 seed. The Huskies have won 11 consecutive tournament games by double-digits under Hurley, and Purdue will need to give its absolute best to take down a team with seemingly zero significant flaws.
The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Monday’s men’s national championship game between UConn and Purdue. Follow along with all of the key moments below.
WATCH: Watch UConn vs. Purdue live with Sling TV
UConn vs. Purdue score
| 1 | 2 | F | |
| UConn | – | – | – |
| Purdue | – | – | – |
UConn vs. Purdue live updates, results, highlights from 2024 NCAA basketball championship game
(All times Eastern)
6:00 p.m. — Dan Hurley said Zach Edey is “obviously” the best college basketball player he’s seen. Whether Edey will give Donovan Clingan difficulty tonight will potentially be the game’s biggest storyline.
“He’s obviously the best college player I’ve seen.”
UConn head coach Dan Hurley on facing the 2X Naismith Player of the Year Zach Edey. pic.twitter.com/fD3ugnOkTn
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 8, 2024
5:30 p.m. — Matt Painter praised UConn’s depth and defensive scheme ahead of tonight’s matchup, arguing that the Huskies seem to get better when they start subbing in players from their bench.
“I’ve seen a lot of things I haven’t seen.”@BoilerBall head coach Matt Painter talks about the challenges he has seen on tape from UConn ahead of the National Championship. pic.twitter.com/yYSGXMRn6a
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 8, 2024
UConn vs. Purdue start time
- Date: Monday, April 8
- Time: 9:20 p.m. ET
The national championship game between UConn and Purdue will tip off at 9:20 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Monday.
How to watch UConn vs. Purdue
- TV channel: TBS
- Livestream: Sling
Fans can tune into the Final Four on TBS at 9:20 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Cord-cutters can stream the game on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.