(Pixabay)

The 2024 March Madness Tournament has drawn to a close following the UConn Huskies 75-60 victory over Zach Edey and Purdue. It was a tournament to remember, with upsets at every corner. 

It all started with Jack Gohlke, the unknown 24 year-old sharpshooter who left the world in awe by dropping 32 points off the bench to lead 14-seed Oakland past 3-seed and perennial juggernaut Kentucky in the first round. Oakland was looking like this year’s Cinderella team, but they blew a fourth-quarter lead to 11-seed NC State in the second round. It was NC State, led by big man DJ Burns, who would become this year’s Cinderella team, advancing all the way to the final four, where they would lose to eventual runner-up Purdue.

From the start it was clear who the top two teams were. UConn and Purdue had blown out every team they played so far, and it felt like they were destined to meet in the championship game. Purdue, led by 7 ‘4 Canadian phenom Zach Edey, was named the NCAA Player of the Year for the second straight year, and UConn was the reigning champion. The teams matched up well on paper, but when the game started it became clear UConn was the better team. The Huskies breezed through the contest to defend their title and became the first team with back to back March Madness victories since the 2007-2008 Florida Gators.