UConn's defensive prowess was on full display as they clinched their second consecutive national championship, leaving in the dust. The Huskies left Donovan Clingan to grapple with Purdue's towering center Zach Edey, refusing to offer any assistance even when Edey forced his way to the rim. Despite Edey's efforts, 's primary concern was shutting down Purdue's perimeter shooters - a task they executed flawlessly. The Huskies' relentless defense held one of the nation's top 3-point
shooting teams to just one successful shot from beyond the arc, leading them to a decisive 75-60 victory on Monday night. Under the guidance of coach Dan Hurley, UConn has emerged as one of the most efficient offensive teams in the country, topping KenPom.com's efficiency ratings this season. However, it's their tenacious and dominating defense that truly sets them apart. Throughout the NCAA Tournament, UConn kept their first four opponents under 60 points and limited
Alabama, the highest-scoring team in the nation, to just 72 points in the national semifinals. For the national title game, Hurley devised a strategy to keep tabs on Purdue's shooters while allowing Edey to take on Clingan. Edey managed to score 37 points but required 25 shots to do so and failed to make a single shot during a crucial 10-minute stretch as UConn began to seize control. The Huskies managed to shut down what the Boilermakers do best. Purdue, known as the nation's second-best 3-point shooting team during the regular season with a 41% success rate, found their usual strategy thwarted when teams double-teamed Edey. In the national title game, UConn barely allowed Purdue any opportunities for 3-point shots. Freshman Stephon Castle led the defensive charge, relentlessly pressuring Purdue point guard Braden Smith. The rest of UConn's defenders swarmed the 3-point arc and recovered quickly when they did get beat, limiting the Boilermakers to a dismal 1-of-7 shooting from 3. Before Monday night, Purdue averaged 8.3 successful 3-pointers and 20.5 attempts per game. Smith managed to shoot 4 of 12 and made Purdue's only 3-pointer. Fletcher Loyer scored no points on 0-of-5 shooting. Lance Jones, Purdue's third-leading scorer, took just three shots and scored five points. This stifling defense led UConn to its sixth national title and the first repeat championship since
Florida in 2006-07.