UConn fans are excited.

The men’s basketball team heads to the Big East quarterfinals on Thursday night after the women’s team beat Villanova to win the conference title on Monday.

“It’s very exciting. It’s very cool to go to school with such amazing athletes,” said Portland freshman Justin Coe.

“I love UConn. It’s a lot of fun. I was painted for the games,” said North Branford junior Patrick Miconi.

Devoted Husky fans boarded buses at four locations across the state to fill seats for the Madison Square Garden game against Seton Hall.

Some boarded at Gampel Pavilion, others at Rentschler Field and Plantsville and Danbury as well.

“We’re super excited to see the boys,” said East Windsor’s Tim Rodrigue. “We’re seniors so I don’t know when the next time we’ll do something like this will be,” said friend Hisham Rushaibit of Danbury.

Everyone who rode the campus bus was senior citizens, eager to soak up a night to remember, “We had the Big East tournament. This is just the beginning. We want to go dancing during the tournament,” said David Fox from Colchester.

If the students weren’t excited enough, Dunkin’ Donuts held a pep rally on campus to celebrate the start of the postseason, with lots of caffeine, of course.

“I have a test in an hour, but Dunkin’ is here. Who wouldn’t want a free Dunkin? said Miconi.

“We moved here, so it’s so nice here. We don’t want to go anywhere else,” said Stratford senior Zohaa Chaudhary alongside her sister, enjoying the celebration.

For so many people we spoke to, basketball is more than a game. It’s a bonding experience that spans generations.

“I’ve watched basketball with my grandfather forever, so I’m willing to watch some UConn basketball,” said Chris Beleca, a freshman from Woodbury whose grandfather also went to UConn.

And those who fell in love with the Huskies were just as eager to get a tip.

“I’m from Los Angeles, California so I’m super excited to be here supporting the Huskies,” senior Danny Lesh said. “It’s such a special event, a special occasion and I can’t wait to celebrate it with my best friends and support our team.”