The San Beda Red Lions entered NCAA Season 100 with the weight of history on their shoulders. Having established themselves as the most dominant collegiate basketball team of the 2000s and early 2010s, they aimed to defend their title and add another championship to their storied legacy. However, this season proved to be one of transition and challenges as they fell short of their lofty expectations.
For starters, their struggles can partly be attributed to the exodus of their key players like Peter Alfaro, Cliff Jopia, and Damie Cuntapay who have since transitioned to the pros, and Jacob Cortez, who has transferred to his dad's alma mater, the DLSU Green Archers.
ELIMINATION ROUND
The Red Lions finished the elimination round with a respectable 10-8 record, securing the third seed in the Final Four. Despite flashes of brilliance throughout the season, their inconsistency became apparent, particularly against stronger teams. The absence of some key players from the previous championship squad was keenly felt. That said, they were still able to replace them with UAAP transferees Bryan Sajonia and Bismarck Lina, as well as holdovers led by Yukien Andrada, Jomel Puno, and Finals MVP James Payosing. Still, they struggled to replicate the momentum brought by last season's championship.
FINAL FOUR
In the Final Four, the Red Lions faced the Benilde Blazers, a team that had become a thorn in their side. As the defending champions, San Beda had the daunting task of beating Benilde twice in a twice-to-win format. Unfortunately, the Blazers, bolstered by former San Beda standouts Tony Ynot, Justine Sanchez, and Gab Cometa, delivered a performance that left their former team reeling. The Blazers' cohesive play and determination to reach the finals proved too much for the Red Lions, ending their title defense in heartbreak.
SAN BEDA RED LIONS
SEASON 100 IN REVIEW:
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FINAL RANK | FINAL FOUR
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ELIMINATION ROUND | 10-8 (3/4 OF 10)
FINAL FOUR | LOST TO BENILDE (TWICE-TO-WIN)
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AWARDS
NONE
Yukien Andrada led the Lions in scoring with 12.11ppg and added 5.74rpg, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the court. Jomel Puno was a consistent presence as well, averaging 11.28 PPG and 6.50 RPG. And then there's Bryan Sajonia, who led the team in scoring at the start of their campaign, only to struggle due to injuries and as well with the entry of former UP Fighting Maroon Bismarck Lina. James Payosing was expected to increase his scoring this season but was not able to up his averages.
Season 100 may not have ended the way the Red Lions envisioned, but it served as a crucial period of learning and growth for the program. With a young core of players and the potential to regroup in the offseason, San Beda will undoubtedly aim to reclaim their place at the top of the NCAA hierarchy. The Red Lions’ pedigree and history of bouncing back from setbacks suggest that their story is far from over.