Q. Arena, Fairview, Philippines -- The Dahlia Mavericks gave their all in front of a sellout crowd of 18,988 in their finale as they hosted PPL Big 8 1st seed Manila Bombers.

Although there is no implication for them (Mavs), they wanted to treat their fans for their unwavering support during this trying season. It was a high-scoring affair that those who came in attendance saw the distinct games of the two competitors: The Bombers fired away from distance while the Mavs pounded the ball inside.

The Mavs ended up losing 115-122 that only proves the Bombers deserve their 1st place seeding in the Big 8.

Apolonio "Conyo" Sepulveda led the Mavs with 25 points and 8 rebounds clearly wanting to win this game for their fans. "Before the game, we were contemplating whether to let our young guys do their thing or play spoilers -- we chose the latter." Sepu said sheepishly. "but, it just shows that we are behind among our peers. We will return better next season."

Veteran Ananias Capuyan who has so much pride in him had 21 points, 6 assists and 4 steals but it wasn't enough to stop the onslaught of Achille Caetta and Xiao Kangbo who scored 26 and 22 points respectively.

Lui Tze Ee added 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists while Danny Conley got the better of Scott Famaran with 20 points and 10 rebounds as Fama was plagued with foul trouble the entire game but managed to chip in 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in just 17 minutes.

The fans got a glimpse of the Mavs 'future' as they started Claudio Regala to experience playing in one of the biggest stage in the game -- at home, season finale, in front of a soldout crowd.

AJ Magoncia fared better as well as he put 14 points in just 12 minutes all pointing towards a positive feeling heading to the next season.

"We didn't know what happened to our counterparts in the Great 8 (referring to WPS Sentinel and Another Round) but it's always sad to see someone going away," GM Nicolo Maro said. "It would have been exciting to compete in a relegation match with no guarantee of staying in the Premier League but we'll take it -- that we're safe."

As for their immediate plans in the future? Mavs GM Nicolo said that they are committed to develop Regala and Sepulveda not just for the benefit of their team but for the country as well. "If we played our cards well, Sepu should be the best big man for the Philippines and Regala should be one of the best guards as well."

Notes:
Jungle Bolo .45 blemished Lonely Hearts Club perfect season by winning 111-99 in the Jingle. The Bolo fielded on 7 players which proved to be effective to make LHC's record 21-1. It looks like LHC's composure isn't shaken as they will be facing the same team in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Perhaps giving their all just to make the playoffs is worth it. If they didn't, d brothers would have made it. Will they pull another upset against LHC in a one and done matchup?

Asked for his opinion, the Mavs GM said "although I love to see upsets, us [Mavs] being underdogs most of the time, there is no way they can stop the onslaught of the Hearts. We would have done the same just to barge in the playoffs."

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