THE Dagupan-based University of Luzon Golden Tigers have finally done what no other team in Region I has achieved when it won the second Men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (MNCAA) national championship last March 29 in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

The Golden Tigers of Engr. Mac Arthur and sportsman Luis Samson Jr. the national tournament, nipped Region III champion Lyceum of Olongapo, 85-83, in its initial outing before plastering Bicol champion PSU, 94-62.

In the cross-over semi-final, the Dagupan cagers trounced defending champion Centro Escolar University, 72-70, to arrange the championship showdown with National Capital Region Champion La Consolacion College which they eventually beat, 82-74.

The championship title was a fitting follow-up to UL’s third runner-up finish in the strong National Student’s Basketballs Championship in Cebu City last March 2.

Marbin Macalalad, the Golden Tigers wily point guard who was in the NSBC’ s mythical five, was again selected Most Valuable Player and member of the mythical five.

The team members are Rod Natavio, Norman Ilao, Willy Caina, Jonathan Panunciar, Jay-R Franda, Erwin reate, Claude Cubo, Carlito Cubo, Alvin Clores and Macalalad.

Coach is Renato ‘Jack Vidal’ with Jeffrey Gatchalian as assistant coach.

Seato A. Gonimil, MNCAA Region I Director, disclosed that the MNCAA championship will be held in Dagupan City in 2010. (PNA)