NLEX couldn’t have asked for a better send-off into the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup.
Buoyed by their 101-84 victory over Blackwater in the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament finals at the USEP Gym, the Road Warriors demonstrated composure that will prove crucial as they gear up for the 50th season of the league, set to open on October 5.
During the elimination round of the four-day tournament, Blackwater stunned NLEX with a 95-90 victory.
But Sunday’s final saw a different story.
NLEX tightened its defense, containing Blackwater’s key scorers and turning the matchup into a one-sided affair.
With head coach Jong Uichico away in Manila during Day 3 of the tournament, assistant coach Adonis Tierra guided the Road Warriors.
Uichico expressed his gratitude for the coaching staff’s effort, saying, “I’m thankful to Coach Adonis and the rest of the staff for steadying the ship while I was away. They did a fantastic job keeping the team focused and coming up with a good game plan.”
NLEX also defeated Converge and Phoenix in the tournament.
Uichico lauded the tournament itself as an invaluable preseason test.
“This was a good tournament for us, facing three of the teams we’ll go up against in the PBA. It gave us a chance to see where we stand and what adjustments we need heading into the Philippine Cup,” he said.
For Semerad, who was named the tournament MVP, the competition served as both preparation and team building.
“This tournament was great for us to get our feet wet and build chemistry. Everyone got a chance to step up and contribute, which will be important once the PBA season starts,” he noted.
NLEX Governor Ronald Dulatre also extended his appreciation to the tournament organizers.
“We thank SBP Davao Regional Director Glenn Escandor and tournament director Miggy Solitaria for organizing a well-run tournament and taking care of the players from all four teams. Their efforts provided a great environment for competitive basketball,” he said.
