UConn vs. Purdue National Championship odds, preview & picks, plus best March Madness betting apps

The NCAA men's college basketball national championship game is the one everyone wanted to see — two top seeds and the two teams that dominated college basketball all season.

Purdue will play defending national champion Connecticut (-7) on April 8 at 9:30 ET in Glendale, Arizona (TBS).

Below are UConn vs. Purdue picks, predictions and national championship odds:

Best National Championship betting sites

2024 NCAA National Championship odds: UConn vs. Purdue preview and prediction

This matchup is intriguing as it matches two of the country’s best big men. Purdue’s Zach Edey was the Player of the Year, and Connecticut’s Donovan Clingan is a premier defender and solid offensive contributor.

The outcome could come down to which big man has the best game. The Boilermakers’ Edey has been all but unstoppable this season. He has scored at least 20 points in 15 consecutive games and averages 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest.

Edey, a sure-fire NBA lottery pick last season, returned to Purdue to try to win the national championship.

UConn (36-3, 21-11 against the spread) pulled away from Alabama in the second half of the national semifinals to win, 86-72. As it has done all season, UConn had balanced scoring and strong defense to knock off Alabama.

Defensive wiz Stephon Castle scored 21 points, Clingan had 18, and Alex Karaban and Cam Spencer each scored 14.

• READ: Best UConn vs. Purdue bonus offers

The Huskies are seeking their sixth national championship and are trying to become the first team to win consecutive national titles since Florida in 2007.

Purdue lost in its only national championship appearance in 1969 to UCLA. The Boilermakers knocked off 11th-seeded North Carolina State in the national semifinals, 63-50, ending the Wolfpack’s magical run through the ACC and NCAA tournaments.

Edey gets plenty of help from guards Braden Smith (12.0 points), Lance Jones (11.9) and Fletcher Loyer (10.6).

Both teams are offensive machines. UConn has the nation’s top adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. Purdue has the third-ranked offensive efficiency team.

• Connecticut is the 22nd-ranked offensive team, averaging 81.4 points per game.
• Purdue ranks 14th in offense, averaging 82.9 points.
• Connecticut ranks ninth in defense, allowing 63.3 points per game.
• Purdue’s defense is ranked 81st, allowing 68.8 points per game.

If Edey can control the boards, and contain Clingan, the Boilermakers will give UConn a great game and have an excellent chance to win. UConn has five players averaging double figures in scoring, and that balance might be enough for the Huskies to prevail.

UConn vs. Purdue pick: Boilermakers +7 (-110)

Underdog Fantasy March Madness Player Props: Higher/Lower props for NCAA Tournament

Underdog Fantasy allows customers to pick Higher or Lower (similar to an over/under) and string together multiple selections into one entry, similar to a parlay at a sportsbook.

Register with Underdog Fantasy promo code BETFPB to claim a $100 deposit match bonus, then immediately start making your picks. Simply pick ‘Higher’ or ‘Lower’ on any of the allowable NCAAB props to get started.

Best March Madness Betting Apps & Sites

You must be over 21 to play. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. 1-800 GAMBLER.