The RetireInvest Ballarat Miners defeated south conference finalist Hobart 95-89 in a thrilling finale at the Minerdome.

Ballarat could finish no better than fifth after Bendigo had the better of an undermanned Hobart on Saturday night.

Although their final hopes were already gone before hitting the court, the Miners were determined to go out on an high.

It looked like being all the Miners' way as they exploded to a 14-2 lead inside five minutes.

However, despite being without their four best players who were resting in Tasmania, the Chargers pushed Ballarat all the way.

A full-strength Ballarat had to summon all its powers to get over the line with its nose in front.

Imports Marcus Toney-El and Jamal Brown went high voltage in the dying seconds to close out the game, with each producing slam dunks.

Another early exit means the Miners have played in just one finals series in the past five seasons.

That was in 2006 when they took out the south minor premiership before going out in straight sets in the play-offs.

Ballarat repeatedly threatened to break away.

It had leads of 16 points in the opening quarter and 17 in the third, but as has happened so often this season it's defence broke down the advantage disappeared.

Hobart almost stole the game as the lead changed seven times and scores were level five times in the last quarter.

Jamal Brown capped off a big first season with the Miners with 26 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, although eight turnovers also reflected the toll the campaign has taken on the powerhouse centre.

Ricky Henderson sparkled with 19 points to confirm the big part he has to play for the Miners in the future.