With bragging rights on the line, both corners fielded their best casts to begin a competitive duel the Dabawenyos would always want to witness.
The homeboys had PBA legend and the "Scoring Apostle" PJ Simon, Meralco Bolts forward Alvin "The Tank" Pasaol, Converge's Allyn Bulanadi, Arellano University's prolific guard Axel Doromal and the sweet-shooting forward of De La Salle University Francis "Ef" Escandor while the visitors relied on their agile roster led by the high-flying Poypoy Actub.
Mavs opened the curtains with bombs beyond the arc to cap a 17-12 lead in the first frame.
Davao's Aldeo Lucero hard foul on Poypoy Actub early in the second quarter became a blessing in disguise as it shattered Mavs' momentum paving a 5-0 run courtesy of Pasaol and Doromal.
Despite the recovery, Davao Allstars were stunned by Actubs firepower in the third frame, leading Mavs to a 54-47 advantage, with Pasaol sidelined following a leg cramp off the board.
CJ Lazarte filled Pasaol's absence at the paint and returned Davao Allstars momentum on track.
Cheers resounded when Pasaol checked back in the final stretch along the starters to secure a 64-59 edge with barely 4 minutes left in the game clock.
The Tank made basket after basket, and a three capped with a "Night Night" celebration after pulling off a double-digit lead in the last two minutes.
Pasaol shrugged off a late third-quarter leg pain to finish with 21 points, including three triples, while Doromal shared 13 points.
Lazarte had 12 from the paint, while Simon showed no rust with nine.
Bulanadi and Escandor had six and four, respectively, but dropped everything for the defensive sake. The two forwards came out of their comfort zones to complement Davao Allstars' ideal playing roster.
Some of the familiar faces from the Davao Allstars will be seen again at the hardcourt as The Royal Mandaya Hotel stages a two-day Christmas League on December 19 and 20. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)
De La Salle forward Francis Escandor scores an undergoal stab against a Mavs Phenomenal defender. Koii Canarias