UConn Huskies vs Purdue Boilermakers: Basketball Player Stats

Key Takeaways from UConn vs Purdue (2024 NCAA Championship)

• Final Score: UConn 75, Purdue 60
• Championship Impact: UConn secured back-to-back national titles, becoming the first program since Florida (2006–07) to repeat.
• Star Performances: Tristen Newton recorded a 20-point double-double and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Zach Edey led all scorers with 37 points.
• Defensive Edge: UConn limited Purdue’s perimeter scoring and forced difficult late-clock possessions.
• Efficiency Difference: UConn shot efficiently from the field and controlled tempo, while Purdue relied heavily on Edey’s interior production.

Game Overview: UConn vs Purdue National Championship Recap

The 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship brought together the tournament’s most dominant team in UConn and the nation’s most unstoppable individual force in Purdue’s Zach Edey. The Huskies executed a disciplined defensive plan while maintaining offensive balance, leading to a 75–60 victory.UConn entered the matchup with a 36–3 record and a reputation for blowout wins throughout the tournament. Purdue, 34–5, countered with the reigning National Player of the Year in Edey and a top-ranked offense built around interior dominance.The championship ultimately came down to depth, shot quality, and transition execution, areas where UConn excelled.

Complete Box Score and Team Stats

Final Team Statistics Comparison

Stat CategoryUConnPurduePoints7560Field Goal %48.1%44.4%Three-Point %35.0%26.3%Free Throw %85.7%71.4%Total Rebounds4037Assists1812Turnovers98

While Purdue shot a respectable percentage overall, UConn’s perimeter efficiency and superior assist rate highlighted more cohesive ball movement. The Huskies generated higher quality looks throughout the game.

UConn Huskies Player Stats and Performance Analysis

Tristen Newton (G)

• 20 points
• 7 rebounds
• 5 assists
• 4-of-9 from three-point range

Newton controlled tempo and spacing. His ability to stretch Purdue’s defense forced Edey into repeated ball-screen situations. With a high true shooting percentage and clutch perimeter shot-making, Newton’s efficiency was championship-caliber.

Stephon Castle (G)

• 15 points
• 5 rebounds
• 3 assists

Castle provided physical perimeter defense while attacking the mid-range. His on-ball pressure played a key role in limiting Purdue’s secondary scorers.

Cam Spencer (G)

• 11 points
• 8 rebounds
• 4 assists

Spencer’s impact extended beyond scoring. His rebounding from the guard position helped offset Purdue’s size advantage.

Donovan Clingan (C)

• 11 points
• 5 rebounds
• 2 blocks

Clingan’s defensive impact disrupted Purdue’s spacing. While Edey accumulated points, Clingan forced difficult catches and contested shots without excessive fouling. His rim protection altered Purdue’s perimeter driving lanes.

Efficiency Snapshot

UConn’s offensive balance was decisive. Four players scored in double figures, and the team recorded 18 assists on 26 made field goals. That 69 percent assist rate underscores system execution rather than isolation scoring.

Purdue Boilermakers Player Stats and Performance Breakdown

Zach Edey (C)

• 37 points
• 10 rebounds
• 15-of-25 shooting

Edey delivered one of the highest-scoring championship performances in recent history. He accounted for more than 60 percent of Purdue’s total points. His post efficiency remained elite, but Purdue struggled to convert entry passes into consistent perimeter production.Advanced metrics highlight the imbalance. While Edey posted an elite scoring efficiency, Purdue’s overall offensive rating dipped when the ball did not touch the paint.

Braden Smith (G)

• 12 points
• 8 assists
• 4 turnovers

Smith orchestrated entry feeds effectively early in the game. However, UConn’s switching and length disrupted clean kick-out opportunities in the second half.

Supporting Cast Struggles

Purdue’s remaining contributors combined for limited scoring. Perimeter shooters failed to reach typical season averages from beyond the arc. The Boilermakers shot just 26.3 percent from three-point range, well below their season efficiency.

How UConn’s Defense Contained Purdue’s Offense

UConn’s defensive blueprint was precise. The Huskies single-covered Edey for stretches to minimize open threes, selectively doubled on baseline touches, and rotated aggressively to passing lanes.Key Defensive Metrics:

• Limited Purdue to 12 assists
• Forced late-clock possessions
• Contested perimeter looks without overcommitting

The strategy accepted Edey’s production but neutralized Purdue’s spacing. Championship outcomes often hinge on depth, and UConn’s versatility proved decisive.

Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Comparison

True Shooting Percentage Leaders

• Tristen Newton: Highly efficient perimeter production
• Zach Edey: Dominant interior scoring efficiency

Possession Control

UConn maintained a measured tempo, maximizing half-court execution while exploiting transition mismatches. With only nine turnovers, the Huskies limited fast-break opportunities for Purdue.

Shot Profile Breakdown

UConn generated balanced shot distribution with effective three-point spacing and interior touches. Purdue’s reliance on post entries increased defensive predictability, allowing strategic help rotations.

Historical Significance of the Matchup

UConn’s victory marked:

• Back-to-back national championships
• Six titles in program history
• A tournament run defined by double-digit victories

The Huskies joined rare company in modern college basketball history. Their 2023 and 2024 tournament dominance showcased elite offensive efficiency paired with disciplined defense.For Purdue, the championship appearance represented a breakthrough return to title contention. Edey’s performance solidified his legacy as one of the most statistically dominant big men in NCAA history.

What the Player Stats Reveal About the Championship Outcome

Three statistical truths defined the game:

1. Balanced Scoring Beats Isolated Dominance: UConn’s four double-digit scorers outpaced Purdue’s one-man scoring surge.
2. Perimeter Efficiency Matters: The Huskies’ superior three-point and free throw percentages created separation.
3. Assist Differential Reflects Team Cohesion: UConn’s higher assist total demonstrated structured offensive execution under pressure.

The box score illustrates more than numbers. It highlights execution, spacing, and defensive adaptability under championship conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2024 UConn vs Purdue Championship

Who won the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship between UConn and Purdue?

UConn won the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, defeating Purdue 75–60 to claim its second straight national title.

What were the key stats that decided UConn vs Purdue?

UConn’s edge came from better three-point shooting, stronger free throw accuracy, and a higher assist total. Purdue relied heavily on Zach Edey’s post scoring, while UConn spread scoring across multiple players.

How did UConn’s defense slow down Purdue’s offense?

UConn mostly played Zach Edey straight up, protected the three-point line, and forced Purdue into late-clock shots. This cut off clean perimeter looks and limited assists from Purdue’s guards.

How did Tristen Newton and Zach Edey perform in the title game?

Tristen Newton had 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Zach Edey scored 37 points with 10 rebounds, carrying most of Purdue’s offense inside.

Why is this UConn vs Purdue championship game historically important?

This game gave UConn back-to-back national titles and its sixth championship overall. It also highlighted Zach Edey’s place in NCAA history as one of the most dominant big men in a title game.