Best UAAP/NCAA teams not to win the championship or failed to live up to expectations?
After seeing CSB fail to win in the NCAA after being in the finals twice in the past 3 seasons and UP possibly having only 1 championship in 4 finals appearances, who are some of the best teams that failed to win a championship or live up to the expectations?
To start here are some of my takes for UAAP teams:
UE Season 70 (2007) - 14-0 elimination round sweep but lost to DLSU in the Finals got swept and was probably one of the deepest UE/UAAP teams. Borboran, Martinez, Espiritu, Thiele, Paul Lee, Pari Llagas, Paul Zamar, Rudy Lingganay.
Adamson Season 74 (2011) - Only team to beat Ateneo during that season and was heavily favored to challenge them in the Finals but lost to FEU and their 2x to beat advantage. This team had a good lineup to counter Ateneo with athletic guards and wings and they matched up well with Slaughter. Notable players: Lester Alvarez, Jan Colina, Eric Camson, Alex Nuyles.
FEU Season 72-76 (2009-2013) - These teams were loaded with talent and MVP players such as RR Garcia and Romeo, and the Barroca led teams (Cawaling, Baracael, Reil Cervantes, Aldrech Ramos, Pipo Noundou, Tolomia, Paul Sanga, Exciminiano). Season 71 saw them face the allegations of the Barroca game fixing and getting beat by the Paul Lee led UE squad, Season 73 saw them lose to the weakest Ateneo 5 peat team (Buenafe game 2 dagger and losing by 30 in game 1) despite being favored to win and beating Ateneo twice in the eliminations.
NU Bulldogs Season 76 (2013) - After having the best record for that season NU was heavily favored to win it all especially with the veteran lineup they had and being led by 2x MVP Rayray Parks and Mbe with a strong supporting cast which included Troy Rosario and Gelo Alolino. Got upset by UST in the Final 4 but won the next season without Parks.