‘An incredible journey.’ Another UConn national championship prompts late-night celebration in Storrs
University officials say UConn police made five arrests. Last year, revelers caused $125,000 in damages and there were 39 arrests.
UConn fans celebrated another national title late into the night in Storrs.
Students packed Gampel Pavilion Monday night to see the Huskies win a second straight national title and sixth overall.
They were still basking in the glory Tuesday morning.
"I just transferred here recently from Norwalk Community College and it's pretty cool to be a part of it. I was watching at home but just being here knowing that the team just won is pretty cool," said Ryan Rule, from Stamford.
"Woke up to a lot of text messages this morning. I'm from Michigan, everybody's texting me congrats on being in Connecticut for the big win," said UConn grad student Olivia Alvesteffer.
Even students from as far away as South Africa are now basketball fans.
"I was joking with my friends I don't think I ever would have watched basketball until I came to UConn, so it's been such an incredible journey just watching these teams," said Francis Carstens.
After the 75-60 win over Purdue, thousands celebrated outside Gampel – some got rowdy, ripping out street signs and some light posts. There was even a street sign that was thrown through the window of the recreation center.
University officials say UConn police made five arrests. Last year, revelers caused $125,000 in damages and there were 39 arrests.
"Overall, we were very happy with the way the postgame situation worked out here. There were certainly lots of people lots of celebrating but…overall it was a successful night," said Mike Enright, of University Communications.
On Tuesday morning, crews were out on Hillside Road blowing last night's trash into piles to be picked up and hauled away.
Fans plan to welcome the team back at Gampel tonight. They fly into Bradley International Airport later today.
Storrs celebration footage courtesy of WVIT:
