Dahlia Mavericks snapped Another Round 5-game league winning streak, 'bounced back' 118-94
Q Arena, Philippines -- After the 'embarrassing' loss against Jungle Bolo .45, the Dahlia Mavericks didn't want to 'disappoint' in a national televised game against Another Round.
Perhaps Round is 'looking-forward' to their back-to-back league match and cup game against Memongs but that didn't erase the fact that it was a 24-point drubbing and losing just their second in eleven games in the ultra-competitive PPL league.
It was a competitive first quarter as the Mavs were holding to a one point lead (24-23) as Teodosio Amante scored 12 points. In the second quarter, Round couldn't stop the Mavs onslaught getting outscored 34-16 trailing by 19 points at the half 58-39.
Amante was brilliant in the first half as he led the Mavs with 25 of their 58 points going in the third.
In the third quarter Round was able to cut the deficit to 10 points but they couldn't catch-up as it was Bernie Dimagan's turn to halt their run as he went on fire. Firing on off-balance jumpers, he was ably supported by Ananias Capuyan in the second half.
Round was trailing 69-83 entering the fourth and the Mavs started with a 12-5 run that prompted coach Doc to sub the starters with 8 minutes left in the game. Round was resilient and made a 9-0 run in under two minutes that the Mavs starters went for the kill and finish with a 23-11 run to end the game.
"They were frustrated with their performance in our last game," coach Doc said. "they want to leave a mark with this convincing victory against PPL-leading Another Round."
Teodosio Amante paced the Mavs with 38 points in 14-27 FG shooting, 6-11 from downtown. Bernie Dimagan supported them with 35 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists in 14-21 FG shooting, 5-9 from beyond the arc. Ananias Capuyan was steady with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in 10-17 FG shooting, 2-2 from the three-point line.
"Our guard play was tremendous but it should also be noted that both our bigs grabbed 16 boards and provided that much needed muscle down-low." GM Nicolo Maro said.
The Mavs play was fundamentally sound as they shot 48% from the field (46-96), 54% from downtown (14-26) and they virtually led all categories against Another Round.
Linus Kernen led Another Round with 26 points and 6 assists but on 9-30 FG shooting. Adam Bralic had a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds but it wasn't enough as they fell for only the second time in eleven games.
"It is very difficult to win against an opponent especially away from home, in front of national audience, as the home team would really want to take it for their fans." Round coach said.
As much as GM Nicolo Maro was 'pleased' with their performance, he noted that it didn't have much implications as 7 out of 8 Big 8 teams took this day, that they didn't move up in the standings, and 'only' two games separate the #1 seed from the 8th.
"Such is the reality in PPL play, no guarantees. It's like a pendulum swing." GM Nicolo Maro said.