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Giddy Gampel UConn fans cheer on team from Huskies' homecourt
Posted: Sunday April 02, 2000 11:55 PM
STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut opened up a 21-point lead early in the second half of the national title game Sunday against Tennessee, and Steve Ogden leapt from his seat in Gampel Pavilion. "We got 'em! We got 'em! They look unstoppable," said the UConn freshman. They were, from wire-to-wire, and beat Tennessee 71-52 for their second national title. And for the second straight year, the campus will welcome home a national champion on Monday. The men beat Duke 77-74 last year for their first title. Ogden was one of about 2,000 fans that gathered in the Huskies' homecourt to watch the game on three giant screens. With pep band and cheerleaders on the floor, Gampel had all the sights and sounds of the game. And much like UConn's regular season victories on their home floor, this one was won in convincing fashion, too. "Us beating Tennessee just makes it great. It's such a rivalry," said Ogden. The Huskies beat Tennessee in 1995 for their first title, and split two regular season games with the Lady Vols this season. Joanne Lewis, director of counseling services at UConn, furiously waved her blue and white pom-pon as the seconds ticked off. "This is elation. This is exciting. I'm just so proud that our UConn women's team is No. 1," said Lewis, who has been at UConn 24 years. "I'm just so thrilled to see our team bring home the trophy." Charles Shea, a retired state worker, said he and his wife, Beverly, made the 45-minute drive from their Southington to campus Sunday for one reason. "That was to see Tennessee lose," he said. Just in case the Huskies needed more help than their deep bench could deliver, Beverly Shea came prepared. During a timeout late in the game, She pulled a gold chain with a cross from around her neck to show a visitor. "I'm praying for them, believe me," she said. With two minutes left in the game and UConn up by 23, Dave Andrade began working the crowd. "IT'S ALL OVER! IT'S ALL OVER," shouted the UConn senior. He knew it. They knew. And Tennessee knew it, too. "I'm lovin' it," said Andrade. "I'm lovin' every minute of it."
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