Final Four Fever Fires Up Phoenix, as UConn Beats Purdue in Historic

Source: Getty Images / Jamie Squire

UPDATE: The UCONN Huskies successfully defended their national championship by beating the Purdue Boilermakers, 75-60. Buoyed by a dominating performance with an NCAA record of outscoring six opponents by 140 points, the Huskies became the first team to go back-to-back since the Florida Gators in 2007. Tristen Newton who led the game with 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four while Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, and Cam Spencer chipped in a combined total of 37 points.

However, the outcome of the game does not go without emphasizing the Boilermakers' resilient efforts led by Zach Edey who scored nearly two thirds of the Purdue offense with 37 points. However, UCONN's dominance gave Purdue no chance of coming back to claim their first national championship. Notwithstanding, Edey's efforts were commendable and demonstrated his prowess on the court. However, UCONN maintained a consistent lead, dominating the game proceedings and eventually defending their title for the second year in a row. This makes it UCONN’s 6th national championship, becoming only the third team to have more national championships, after UCLA with 11 and Kentucky with 8.

As Arizona heats up with NCAA Final Four frenzy, a celestial spectacle casts its shadow across the U.S., captivating millions. The Phoenix Convention Center played host to the March Madness FanFest, teeming with fans and packed with interactive games, celebrity encounters, and souvenir signings, according to ABC15. Final faceoff between UConn and Purdue is set for tonight at State Farm Stadium, with the FanFest wrapping up at 6 p.m. amidst an electric atmosphere.

Concurrent with the basketball battles, the "Great North American" solar eclipse carved its path from Texas to Maine today. Engulfing day in darkness, the natural event elicited waves of eclipse chasers vying for the best vantage points. FOX10 Phoenix reports, sightings reached totality in Dallas at 1:45 p.m. Central time. Those yearning for an apex view of the eclipse lined city blocks in New York, with some even capitalizing on the demand by hawking glasses from trucks amidst the solar hype.

As the eclipse's shadow danced across the nation, couples in Russellville, Arkansas tied the knot in unison under the darkened sky at the Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival. With the lunar phenomenon serving as a dramatic backdrop, up to 200 couples were expected to say 'I do' during the mass wedding. Meanwhile, safety concerns prompted the cancellation of the Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet due to severe weather, prioritizing public well-being over the celestial observance, "with the support and coordination of Burnet County officials, local safety agencies and the National Weather Service," festival organizers stated.

While enthusiasts basked in the astronomical amazement or plunged into nuptial bliss, Men's NCAA Final Four attendees enjoyed free entry perks at the Phoenix Convention Center. Offering complementary admissions to various demographics, including military personnel celebrated on Military Appreciation Day. Not to be left out, even pets have their safety considered during the eclipse, with American Kennel Club's Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein advising, "The concern is that they may stress and try to escape, so always make sure pets are properly controlled, on leashes," emphasizing the importance of pets' wellbeing amidst the fanfare.