HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Thousands of fans lined the streets of downtown Hartford on Saturday to fete the UConn men’s basketball team following its second straight NCAA championship, its sixth in the past 25 years.
The players and coaches paraded on a double-decker bus with an open-air top and lifted the national title trophy from the state Capitol to the XL Center, the arena in which the team plays about half its home games. The procession included marching bands, cheerleaders, first responders, top state politicians and other groups as fans shouted and waved UConn signs.
The celebration followed Monday’s 75-60 win over Purdue, which capped one of the most dominant two-year runs in NCAA Tournament history, one in which the Huskies won all 12 games they played by double digits.
Coach Dan Hurley, who has spent the week denying that he was considering leaving the program for another school, told the crowd his focus is on a third consecutive championship, as he and the players gave short speeches outside the arena.
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
People of Gelao ethnic group celebrate Maolong Festival in SW China's Guizhou
Construction worker turned piano sensation meets his idol
The unstoppable duo of Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos
A Manic Monday in the NHL features 7 of 8 games that could affect the playoff picture
Tribute to a terrorist... rector's tears for Palestine extremist at memorial
People across China enjoy festive events to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year
Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
Spring Festival TV gala to delight global audience with traditional culture, cutting
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
Light decorations seen before Chinese Lunar New Year in Macao