MANILA, Philippines – San Beda College saw its five-year dominance of the NCAA come to an end in Season 91, but the Red Lions are determined to bring the crown back to Mendiola this season.

Season 91 record: 13-5

Season 91 summary: The San Beda Red Lions entered Season 91 as the favorites, with high hopes of winning a sixth consecutive men's title. They had a "Big Three" in Ola Adeogun, Baser Amer, and Arthur dela Cruz, along with a solid supporting cast composed of Ryusei Koga, Dan Sara, and Ranbill Tongco.

San Beda made it all the way to the Finals, but there they ran into an inspired Colegio de San Juan de Letran squad that was determined to end a 10-year title drought. After losing the opener in the best-of-three Finals series, 90-94, the Red Lions equalized with a gritty Game 2 win, 68-61, to force a decider.

In a tight contest that went to overtime, the Red Lions wound up losing, 82-85, as the Knights dashed their hopes of a six-peat.

(READ: San Beda Red Lions talk NCAA Season 92)

Key losses: Baser Amer, Art dela Cruz, Ola Adeogun, Michole Sorela

Key returnees: JV Mocon, Dan Sara, AC Soberano, Donald Tankoua

Key additions: Robert Bolick, Davon Potts, William Navarro

Projection: It says a lot about San Beda's storied basketball program that the Red Lions are still considered top contenders even after losing four of their starters, including their best point guard in Baser Amer and an MVP candidate in Art dela Cruz.

San Beda coach Jamike Jarin himself said that their personnel losses are "no joke," noting that they are fielding in a team filled with a lot of second-year and third-year players. They had an up-and-down preseason. For the first time ever San Beda failed to make it to the semifinals of the FilOil tournament, bowing out in the quarters.

Nevertheless, with their exceptional system still in place, the Red Lions are strong contenders to make it to the Final 4. Jarin has gotten strong performances from JV Mocon and AC Soberano in the preseason, while Robert Bolick is set to make his debut after serving a year of residency.

Quotes: "Feeling namin, ganoon pa rin kalakas ang team namin… We just have to prove them (doubters) wrong na lang. We'll get the crown back to Mendiola." – JV Mocon

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