UConn Fans Smash Windows, Light Fires In Chaotic National Championship Celebration
UConn Fans Smash Windows, Light Fires ... Chaos After Championship
UPDATE
6:43 AM PT -- A UConn spokesperson tells TMZ Sports ... 15 people -- most of whom are UConn students -- were arrested and charged during the chaotic celebration.
UPDATE
Sixteen others, meanwhile, needed to be transported to the hospital with injuries -- though none were considered significant.
UPDATE
"The vandalism primarily consisted of broken light poles in the center of campus," the spokesperson added, "broken glass in windows in some nearby buildings and a Student Union door, a vehicle turned on its side, and fires set in trash dumpsters and on wooden benches."
UPDATE
"UConn Facilities Operations crews were on campus overnight and into this morning to document and clean up the damage. The damage estimates are still being determined."
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The spokesperson said UConn police are still investigating it all.
Chaos erupted at UConn's campus following the Huskies' national championship win on Monday night -- with the team's fans smashing windows, tearing down light poles ... and even lighting fires in the streets.
The hectic celebration in Storrs, Conn. happened just moments after the UConn men's basketball team completed its dominant NCAA tournament run by beating San Diego State in the final, 76-59.
chaos in storrs #UCONN pic.twitter.com/FQcwoVW6M0
— Just Noogs (@justnoogs) April 4, 2023 @justnoogs
Videos from the scene show fans were ruthless with property on and near UConn's campus ... with supporters at one point grabbing a huge pole and ramming it into a glass door over and over again until it completely broke free.
Other footage shows people lit fires that authorities had to deal with. Fans were also seen climbing light poles ... before ripping them down.
#uconn fans break windows, light fire, climb buildings, flip car after NCAA win pic.twitter.com/2H4kAeaey7
— Jayne Chacko (@jaynechackotv) April 4, 2023 @jaynechackotv
There was even an overturned car in a parking lot.
No word yet if any arrests were made -- a UConn spokesperson tells us they're still gathering information.
Down goes a light pole at @UConn. Students rowdy and lively on campus after @UConnMBB win the national championship. @NBCConnecticut pic.twitter.com/m1dNbklOGA
— Jeremy Chen (@JeremyChentv) April 4, 2023 @JeremyChentv
As for how the team celebrated the W in Houston, Texas ... it was far less disorderly. The guys soaked in the confetti -- before they cut down the nets.
With a scream to the sky, Jordan Hawkins cuts down his piece of the net. pic.twitter.com/IagRp2pdCA
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 4, 2023 @John_Fanta
There will ultimately be a party when the guys get back to campus -- but here's to hoping it features a whole lot less destruction.
Originally Published -- 6:20 AM PT
