Vandals mar celebration at UConn
Some Connecticut fans pulled down signs and light poles, smashed windows and caused other damage after thousands of people, most of them students, spilled onto the Storrs, Conn., campus after watching the Huskies’ NCAA tournament win against San Diego State.
Fifteen people had been arrested by early Tuesday and 16 were taken to the hospital during the celebrations. None of the injuries was thought to be serious, university spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said.
“The vast majority of those celebrating the Husky victory last night did so safely and responsibly,” she said in a statement. “A small number chose to risk their safety and that of others by vandalizing or destroying property.”
Most of those arrested were students, she said. Police were expected to investigate the damage, and those responsible could face expulsion if they are students.
Next stop: White House
President Joe Biden said he looks forward to hosting the NCAA men’s and women’s championship basketball teams, Connecticut and LSU, at the White House, appearing to shut the door on a suggestion a day earlier by his wife, Jill, that the defeated Iowa women’s team be invited, too.
President Biden tweeted that LSU and Connecticut “showed us the best of what this country can be.”
“We can all learn a lot from watching these champions compete,” the president said, “and I look forward to welcoming them at each of their White House visits.” He did not announce dates.
Following LSU’s victory, coach Kim Mulkey said she would go to the White House if the team, the Tigers, was invited. There was no immediate comment from Connecticut, but the team has made the trip to the White House after winning the NCAA title gamein prior years.
Family of champions
Connectucut’s’s Jordan Hawkins made this year’s NCAA championships a family affair Monday night when he picked up a title a day after his cousin Angel Reese led LSU to the women’s crown.
Hawkins raved about his cousin after scoring 16 points to help UConn claim its fifth title with a 76-59 win against San Diego State.
“I’m so proud of her,” he said, “She works so hard.”