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MANILA, Philippines – Heading into the third year of the Derrick Pumaren era, the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors are more determined than ever to snap their Final Four drought.

Season 78 record: 6-8

Season 78 summary: A mid-season slump proved to be costly for the UE Red Warriors in Season 78, as they failed to make it to the Final Four for the sixth consecutive season.

The Red Warriors started the season on a promising note, beating defending champion National University en route to a 2-1 record. But they lost four consecutive games, bowing to Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas (UST) in succession.

By the time they regained their bearings in the second round, their fate was well out of their hands; upset victories over UST and Ateneo were not enough to salvage their Final Four hopes.

There were reasons for UE to be hopeful of their future, however. Bonbon Batiller had flashes of greatness, while players like Renz Palma and Paul Varilla provided leadership for the team.

(READ: Red Warriors sink Pirates with big 2nd half run)

Key losses: Chris Javier

Key returnees: Bonbon Batiller, Renz Palma, Paul Varilla, RR De Leon

Projection: The UE Red Warriors have been on the brink of making it to the Final Four for the past couple of years, but seemingly cannot get over the hump. They will try to see if Season 79 will be the year that they can finally break through.

UE's task may have been made more difficult by the fact that they won't be fielding in a foreign player this season. The Red Warriors insist, however, that not having an "import" will only work to their advantage, as they can run Pumaren's press to perfection.

Without a foreign player to rely on, the Red Warriors will be leaning on Batiller, Palma, de Leon, and Varilla to step up even more. De Leon should be a player to watch, as he will likely be UE's most skilled big man upon the graduation of Chris Javier.

What they said: "Confident kami, kasi may tiwala kami sa system ni Manong at sa aming mga sarili. Grabe 'yung preparation namin gnayong Season 79… Tiwala kami sa press ni Manong. Kumbaga, sa kanya nagsimula ang lahat ng press." – Bonbon Batiller

First game: National University, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena

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