The moment of truth is here, and we're in a fast-paced situation as back-to-back Naismith Player of the Year Zach Eady and Purdue face off against the defending champions, the Collegiate Con champions.
In a competitive season, the two best teams in college basketball ended up making it to the national championship. This match looks like the perfect match to cap off a memorable tournament.
Much of the attention will be on the big man battle, with the 7-foot-4 Eady facing off against the Huskies' 7-foot-2 Donovan Clingan. While that's going on, there's also an interesting guard showdown that could decide the outcome of the game.
No. 1 University College (36-3) is seeking back-to-back championships for the first time since Florida did it in the 2006-07 season. No. 1 Purdue (34-4) is still looking for revenge after losing to the No. 16 seed in the first round of last year's tournament.
The script couldn't have been written any better, but which team will write the ending? Let's follow the action in Phoenix throughout the day.
Men's NCAA Championship
9:20 p.m. ET — No. 1 UW vs. No. 1 Purdue (TBS)
live22 updates
It certainly looked like that after the final hook shot. Zach Eady is unstoppable right now.
UW leads 18-16 going into the under-12 timeout. Zach Eady scored Purdue's final 11 points and single-handedly kept the Boilermakers in check early.
Zach Eady made a huge dunk over Donovan Clingan, followed by a hell of a block on the other end.Great start for boilermakers
This strategy may not be the best as Cam Spencer is 3 of 3 from the field so far tonight.
What to note: College punishes Zach Eady's drop coverage by having Clingan set up ball screens on its best shooter, Cam Spencer. I have no idea how Purdue can counter that…I hope he misses?!
Zach Eady helped him knock down Donovan Clingan twice, but the Huskies still led 11-9 at the first media timeout.There has been a battle so far
Purdue dominates the tip and we have Arizona going.
For what it's worth, tonight was a total win for the defending national champions.
The entire TNT Sports staff continues to defend the championship favorite as UConn defeats Purdue in tonight's National Championship Game. 🏀🏆 pic.twitter.com/11HR1MpVaD
— Terrible announcement (@awfulpayment) April 9, 2024
National anthem ✅
Starting lineup✅
It's finally time for the national tournament.
In non-National Championship news, Nate Oats was just removed from consideration for the University of Kentucky job.The timing was unbelievable
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A rare title game between the two best teams in college basketball is minutes away from tipoff. For UConn, this is a repeat. For Purdue, it's about redemption.
I hope they can play a game that matches the build-up, but I'm worried about whether Purdue's guards will be able to withstand the pressure of UW's defense. Pregame predictions are definitely wrong: 77-64 Huskies.
Purdue's Zach Eady on Donovan Clingan at Collegiate Con: 'We have a strategy for him'
Danny Green and the Yahoo Sports crew break down the key title matchups.
