UConn holds pre-game ceremony for Newtown victims

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — UConn sophomore guard Ryan Boatright had the letters “SH” on his left cheek.

The UConn men’s basketball team played its first game since the shooting that took place Friday morning at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.

A brief pre-game ceremony was held before Monday’s matchup against Maryland Eastern-Shore in honor of the 26 victims who were fatally shot at the school.

There was a moment of silence as 26 students holding candles and players formed a circle at midcourt. Eight members of the Governor’s Foot Guard of Connecticut stood with flags stood at attention.

UConn players wore patches on their game jerseys to honor the memory of the 20 children and six adults at the school who were shot.

The rectangular patch had a green background, black outline and the letters “SH” in white. The school colors are green and white.

In addition, UConn bench personnel and others associated with the game wore special green and white ribbons.