MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Cheerdance Competition has a new champion. The National University (NU) Cheer Squadron bested seven other universities as they bagged their best ever finish in the competition. Once a cellar-dweller in cheerdancing, NU stunned the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with a routine channeling the Arabian Nights, and was awarded with 696.5 points. NU also won top honors at this year’s group stunts competition. Meanwhile, defending champions UP Pep Squad presented a party-inspired routine to finish first-runner up in the annual competition. The routine garnered 620.5 points after suffering a few falls. Finally, the La Salle Animo Squad returned to the podium after their military-inspired routine garnered 596.5 points. --Mornings @ ANC, September 16, 2013