The 1970–71 NCAA University Division men's basketball season began in December 1970, progressed through the regular season and conference tournaments, and concluded with the 1971 NCAA University Division basketball tournament championship game on March 27, 1971, at the Astrodome in Houston, Texas.

The UCLA Bruins won their seventh NCAA national championship with a 68–62 victory over the Villanova Wildcats.

[4][5] A total of 62 college teams played as University Division independents.

[22] Penn finished with a 4–0 record in head-to-head competition among the Philadelphia Big 5.

A number of teams changed coaches during the season and after it ended.