3 NCAA teams that have excelled in both basketball and men’s soccer

Do you like watching football as much as playing basketball? In the NCAA world, it’s common for teams to have a solid soccer team or a solid basketball team. For example, the Duke Blue Devils have won three NCAA Division I basketball championships, though their soccer team is typically less than stellar. Meanwhile, while the Alabama football team has won 12 national championships, its basketball team is constantly under the radar.

However, some NCAA schools have excelled in both soccer and basketball. Here are some main examples:

1. Cincinnati Bearcats
The Bearcats football team has not only played in 10 bowl games; he has a 6-4 winning record in those bowls, and has won the last three. Cincinnati has appeared in the Sun Bowl twice, the Motor City Bowl twice, and most recently in the PapaJohns.com Bowl.

Meanwhile, the Bearcats basketball team has also achieved success. The team has appeared in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 24 times. Those trips to the tournament included two national championships for the Cincinnati Bearcats (1961, 1962) and a loss in the championship game (1963).

2. Florida Gators
The Gators soccer team, which gave its name to the Gatorade sports drink, won two national championships. During the 1996-1997 season, past Florida quarterback Steve Spurrier returned to coach his alma mater in a 12-1 season and a national championship. Florida defeated Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Then, during the 2006-2007 season, the Gators won their second national championship, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes, 41-14. In addition to its national championships, Florida has produced three Heisman Trophy winners:

o Steve Spurrier (1966)
o Danny Wuerffel (1996)
o Tim Tebow (2007)

The Florida Gators men’s basketball team has recently risen to prominence. In 2000, the team made its first appearance in the NCAA championship, although it lost to Michigan State, 89-76. However, the Gators became “chompions” in 2006, winning their first NCAA title. The Gators demolished UCLA, 73-57. Then, in 2007, Florida defended its title by defeating Ohio State 84-75.

3. UCLA Bruins
Although best known for its basketball team, the Bruins football team has also achieved substantial success over the years. The Bruins’ greatest success occurred in 1954, when the team became co-national champions. UCLA has also won 17 lecture titles. In 1967, the UCLA soccer team also produced a Heisman Trophy winner: Gary Beban.

Meanwhile, the UCLA Bruins basketball team has been spectacular. It has won 11 NCAA championships, more than any other team. Under renowned coach John Wooden, the Bruins won 10 titles in the span of 12 years! The team has also been undefeated for four years (1964, 1967, 1972, 1973). UCLA won its most recent NCAA championship in 1995. Since 2006, the team has also appeared in three consecutive Final Fours at the NCAA tournament.

While it is commendable to excel in both men’s basketball and NCAA football, it is outstanding to excel in both sports. Cheer for your favorite NCAA team to victory in either sport, or both!

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