MANILA, Philippines--Roughly nine months ago, the San Beda Red Lions were a picture of ecstasy. Carried at center court by a pack of jubilant Lions, San Beda coach Frankie Lim raised his arms and screamed in delight while supporters transformed the Araneta Coliseum into a sea of red.

That tableau may already be stacked in the NCAA's archives, but the moment remains as the Red Lions' muted ambition as Season 84 of the country's oldest collegiate basketball league starts at the Big Dome Saturday.

Host school Mapua will provide the grand slam-seeking Lions' early test in the 2 p.m. game, the first in a heavy four-game bill held for the first time in two years.

"Mapua is one of the contenders so we also have to be aggressive," said Lim, whose Lions will play the same team they knocked out in the Final Four last season.

In another Final Four rematch, the Jose Rizal Bombers take on 2005 champion Letran Knights at 4 p.m.

Philippine Christian University, which was suspended last year for an eligibility scam involving its high school cage team, formally makes its return to the league at 8 p.m. against St. Benilde.

Tournament darkhorse San Sebastian and University of Perpetual Help Dalta System clash at 6 p.m.

Keynoting the 1 p.m. opening ceremonies is MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando.