Who Won March Madness 2024 & What You Need to Know This Year

Men's basketball continues to captivate fans with unforgettable moments during March Madness. 

2024’s March Madness Men’s Basketball Tournament delivered one of the most exciting finishes in recent college basketball and NCAA history. The tournament saw dramatic upsets, buzzer-beaters, and incredible individual performances across the bracket. But when the dust settled, which team emerged as the champion?

In this post, we’ll look at who won march madness 2024, the key takeaways for sports bettors, and what we can expect from this year’s tournament.

Contents

1. Who Won March Madness 2024?
2.  What We Can Learn From UConn’s Win?
3. Betting Insights for March Madness 2025
4. What to Expect in March Madness 2025
5. Can UConn Repeat in 2025?
6. How to Max Your Winnings This March Madness

1. Who Won March Madness 2024?

The University of Connecticut (UConn) team won their second consecutive National Championship in 2024, claiming their fifth national title in dominant fashion. Their journey to the championship was marked by dominant wins in the Final Four.

UConn’s Dominance in 2024

UConn’s performance in the 2024 men’s basketball tournament was nothing short of impressive. From the very first round of the bracket, they displayed a level of skill and depth that left little doubt about their superiority.

En route to the Final Four, UConn steamrolled their opponents. With a roster full of seasoned players and led by Coach Dan Hurley, the Huskies dominated the tournament, ultimately defeating Purdue in the National Championship game.

The final score, 75-60, reflected UConn’s control over the game. Key players like Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, and Tristen Newton delivered standout performances, and UConn’s defense stifled Purdue at every turn. Their ability to dominate offensively and defensively made them an unstoppable force throughout the tournament.

2. What We Can Learn From UConn’s Win?

UConn’s victory in 2024 provides several important lessons for sports bettors heading into March Madness 2025:

1. Strong Defense Wins Championships

While UConn’s offense was impressive, their defense was equally stifling. The Huskies limited their opponents to low-scoring games, which is often a key factor in winning a national championship. The Huskies limited all but one opponent to under 60+ points in the postseason.

When betting on March Madness 2025, keep an eye on teams with strong defensive records and the ability to control the pace of the game. For instance, historically solid programs like Michigan State have showcased similar defensive tenacity this season and in previous NCAA tournaments.

2. Experience Matters

UConn’s roster included players with considerable experience in high-pressure games. This experience, combined with a strong team dynamic, made them a force to be reckoned with. Teams with experienced players and solid leadership should always be factored into your betting strategy, as showcased throughout this year’s Final Four battles.

3. Coaching is Key

Coach Dan Hurley played a pivotal role in UConn’s success. His ability to make in-game adjustments and motivate his players was a critical part of their march to back-to-back titles.

In 2025, pay attention to teams with skilled, seasoned coaches who know how to handle the pressure of March Madness. This includes keeping an eye on the coaching strategies of teams from powerhouse conferences, such as Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and St. John’s Rick Pitino, two coaches who have been known to adapt quickly in the face of adversity.

4. Don’t Forget the Underdogs

While UConn's men's basketball team was the favorite, upsets are a hallmark of March Madness. Teams like San Diego State in 2023 showed that it’s possible to go deep into the tournament as an underdog.

Keep an eye on lower-seeded teams that might make a surprising run, as betting on these teams could offer great value. Remember, college basketball is full of surprises, and even a storied program like Michigan State can sometimes face unexpected challenges.

3. Betting Insights for March Madness 2025

As we look ahead to March Madness 2025, teams from the Big Ten should not be overlooked, and here are some strategies to consider based on the lessons from UConn’s 2024 championship:

1. Look for Balanced Teams: UConn wasn’t just strong on offense or defense; they excelled in both. For 2025, focus on teams that have a well-rounded game plan and players who can perform under pressure.
   
   
2. Evaluate Key Player Performances: Tristen Newton’s dominance in 2024 proved that individual star performances can be a game-changer. Pay attention to top players heading into the tournament and their ability to perform in clutch moments.
   
   
3. Stay Updated on Injury Reports: Injuries can derail even the best teams. Keep an eye on player injuries leading up to and during the tournament to make informed betting decisions.
   
   
4. Keep Your Eye on Betting Odds Movements: Just like UConn’s odds moved throughout the tournament, teams’ odds in 2025 will fluctuate. Monitor these movements for potential value bets, especially if a high-seed team like Purdue starts to gain momentum in the early rounds.
   
   
5. Keep Your Eye Out for the Best Promos: Sportsbooks across the U.S. offered dozens of March Madness betting promos in 2024, and are set to follow suit again this year. Helping you max your profit with freebies all tournament round, keep your eyes out for these bonuses in 2025.

4. What to Expect in March Madness 2025

With March Madness 2025 fast approaching, the tournament bracket promises another thrilling ride filled with drama and excitement. As we’ve learned, anything can happen in March, and the unexpected is often what makes March Madness and college basketball so thrilling.

For bettors, the key is to stay informed, track team performances leading into the tournament, and keep an eye on any developments that could impact the odds. With so much talent in the field, every game is a potential opportunity to find value in the betting markets.

5. Can UConn Repeat in 2025?

While UConn’s 2024 victory was dominant, March Madness is all about unpredictability. The Huskies are likely to remain strong contenders in 2025, but don’t overlook other top teams like Kansas, Duke, Michigan State, or Purdue. As always, research and analysis will be key for bettors looking to capitalize on the madness of March.

UConn’s triumph in 2024 showcased the power of a balanced team with a strong defense, experienced players, and a brilliant coach. For 2025, keep these lessons in mind, and you’ll be in a strong position when it comes to NCAA college basketball’s March Madness 2025 tournament.

6. How to Max Your Winnings This March Madness

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