STORRS, Conn. — Thousands of UConn fans celebrating the Huskies’ historic NCAA championship win in Houston on Monday night flooded the Storrs campus and sparked mayhem. It resulted in 15 arrests and 16 taken to the hospital, according to the university.
Videos from around campus showed rowdy fans breaking windows, pulling down light poles and stealing signs – all in the name of celebrating UConn’s win 76-59 win over San Diego State University.
"A small number chose to risk their safety and that of others by vandalizing or destroying property after the game," Stephanie Reitz, UConn spokesperson, said on Tuesday. "UConn Police will investigate the vandalism and other potential criminal offenses that occurred. Those responsible will face arrest and, if they are students, sanctions up to and including expulsion."
Most of those 15 arrested are UConn students. While 16 people were taken to the hospital for injuries, none of the injuries were considered to be significant, according to Reitz.
FOX61 News reporter DeAndria Turner, who was on campus covering the celebrations, shared videos of fans climbing light poles and stealing signs.
Members of campus security could be seen in the background attempting to calm down the crowds.
One video showed fans using a broken light pole to break the glass doors into a building.
Broken glass and damage left behind could be seen early Tuesday morning at the student union. Glass was also smashed at a science building and at bus stops.
UConn officials said they were still assessing the extent of the damage Tuesday morning and planned to give an update on arrests and any injuries.
At the moment, over 30 light poles were ripped out of the ground, as well as dozens of chained walkway poles. Some of these were used to smash windows.
One campus van was rolled over and smashed up. Also, a cast iron bench was left suspended in a tree.
Trash dumpsters and benches were set on fire as well.
Damage at UConn Storrs following championship victory
Classes and academic operations are expected to continue Tuesday as regularly scheduled.
Ahead of Monday night’s game, the university sent out a message reminding students and fans that celebrations should remain safe and respectful.
This is the Huskies' 5th national championship in the program's history and also the team's fifth in the last 24 years, making it the most of any men's college basketball program in the country. They are now 5-0 in national championship history.
They also kept their streak of beating every single opponent faced in the NCAA Tournament by more than double-digits.
This is also a first for Head Coach Dan Hurley, as the team hadn't made it past the first round of the NCAA Tournament during his tenure.
The team was scheduled to return home to Storrs afternoon, with a rally planned inside Gampel, the team's home arena.
The Huskies were scheduled to arrive at Bradley International Airport at about 3:30 p.m., with team buses making the about 40-mile drive to campus under police escort. The school said there will be no public access at the airport.
Gov. Ned Lamont took to Twitter shortly after the 76-59 victory to congratulate the team
“You guys worked so hard for this and we could not be more proud,” he wrote. “Now, it’s time to plan a parade.”
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