At least 35 arrested as UConn celebrates championship; repeat tonight?

Some acts of vandalism and at least 35 arrests were reported as UConn fans celebrated their school's NCAA men's basketball championship. UConn topped Kentucky, 60-54, in Arlington, Texas, on Monday night.

By Paresh Dave

April 8, 2014, 9:02 a.m.

A wild celebration for the University of Connecticut's fourth men's NCAA basketball championship in the last 16 seasons has led to the arrests of at least 35 people, police said.

Most of the arrests were alcohol-related, although a few were for scuffling with officers, police said, adding that no one was seriously injured.

UConn Police Chief Barbara O'Connor told reporters that she was pleased by how most students handled themselves. The flagship campus in the small town of Storrs has about 16,000 undergraduates. Connecticut State Police arrested two people on the outskirts of campus on suspicion of breaching the peace and interfering with police.

The revelers caused minor property damage, flipping some tables and chairs and knocking over streetlights and street signs, according to media reports. Police plan to use surveillance video footage to identify the offenders.

More than 10,000 people had watched the game, held at Dallas AT&T Stadium, from inside UConn's basketball arena on campus. The Huskies beat the Kentucky Wildcats, 60-54, on Monday night.

University of Kentucky fans turned rowdy in a hazy scene late Monday as city officials reported at least seven arrests, 17 couch fires and at least one injury when a student was struck by a train.

UConn students have a long day ahead of them Tuesday. The university scheduled a pep rally for 5 p.m. to celebrate the return of the men's team from Texas. About three hours later, the women's basketball teams tips off against Notre Dame in the national championship game.

Follow LATimes National on Facebook

ALSO:

Military investigator retraces Ft. Hood shooting

EPA director says draft greenhouse rules will give states new tools

ATM goes haywire, spews out $37,000 to Maine man with $140 account

We've upgraded our reader commenting system. Learn more about the new features.

Los Angeles Times welcomes civil dialogue about our stories; you must register with the site to participate. We filter comments for language and adherence to our Terms of Service, but not for factual accuracy. By commenting, you agree to these legal terms. Please flag inappropriate comments.