UConn defeats Baylor, earns Sweet 16 berth

STORRS, CT (WFSB) - The second-seeded University of Connecticut’s women’s basketball team defeated seventh-seeded Baylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The game tipped off at 9 p.m. Monday at Gampel Pavilion on the Storrs campus.

The final score was 77 to 58.

Azzi Fudd scored a game high of 22.

UConn’s win meant that the team earned a spot in the Sweet 16.

The next game for the Huskies is Saturday against third-seeded Ohio State. The game is set for 4 p.m. on ABC.

UConn announced a sendoff for the Huskies will happen Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. at Jonathan Statue.

“It’s really exciting. [Monday] night was everyone’s first night on campus and the women had a really great game,” said Chris Bergen, UConn student. “Everyone’s really excited. People were waiting in line for 6, 7, 8 hours, so everyone’s really optimistic about where the team’s going.”

Dedicated fans lined up as early as 8:30 a.m. to get tickets.

“This program means a lot to me. It’s just so fun to watch. They’re so entertaining and they’re really good people and it just feels nice and like you’re a part of the UConn community. It feels like a family and it’s so worth it every time,” said Sam, a student at UConn.

The game was sold out by 7 p.m.

“Everyone on campus is so excited and just the energy is just different too when you’re in the student section,” said Morgan Klepack, a freshman at UConn.

It wasn’t just students on campus who were excited to see UConn play, fans around Connecticut geared up to see the Huskies win.

Ted’s Restaurant and Bar, a bar near Storrs’ campus, buzzed with fans on Monday.

“It’s insane. I mean, even with the men starting out 14-0 and obviously the women have a tradition of winning, but collectively both teams are on fire,” said Ryan Steinman, managing partner of Ted’s.

“We’re just feeling the energy. We’re so excited! We’re here to support our girls, we’re here to support our Huskies and let’s go UConn,” said junior Joanna Turner.

A look at the complete bracket for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament can be seen here.

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