College hoops: NU-era for Bulldogs; San Beda dynasty continues

After a 60-year title drought, the National University Bulldogs finally won a UAAP championship, at the expense of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in a historic final that featured neither Ateneo nor La Salle. It was a banner year for the Bulldogs, who in the same year clinched its second straight UAAP Cheerdance title, a testament to the power of having a solid financial backing that was provided to them by the Henry Sy-founded SM Group.

While a new face emerged in the UAAP, a dynasty has solidified in the NCAA. The San Beda Red Lions snared its fifth straight title in beating a determined Arellano squad. It put them alongside the San Sebastian Stags (1993-97), Mapua Red Robins (1968-72) and the San Beda Cubs (2009-13) in the list of teams with the longest reigns.

Additionally, it was the Lions’ 19th seniors title, three away from closest pursuer Letran with 16.

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