NLEX came alive at the perfect moment, claiming a 101-84 revenge win over Blackwater to capture the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament title on Sunday at the USEP Gym in Davao.
Earlier in the elimination round, Blackwater stunned the Road Warriors with a 95-90 victory.
This time, NLEX tightened its defense on Blackwater’s key players, turning the finale of the four-day tournament into a one-sided affair.
Without head coach Jong Uichico on the sidelines, Adonis Tierra took over coaching duties and guided NLEX to hold Blackwater to just 38-percent shooting for the game.
According to stats from Madayaw Sports Davao, Sedrick Barefield went 4-of-9 from the field for 15 points, while RK Ilagan matched that clip with 10 points. With Blackwater’s top scorers contained, the Road Warriors fired on all cylinders.
Xyrus Torres knocked down three triples en route to 19 points, Anthony Semerad recorded a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, and JB Bahio added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Dom Fajardo, who sparked a third-quarter surge, scored 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while Jonnel Policarpio and Robert Bolick contributed eight points each, with Bolick also dishing out nine assists.
NLEX had previously defeated Converge, 95-88, and Phoenix, 100-96, in the elimination round.
Meanwhile, Phoenix claimed third place by routing Converge, 101-80, marking Willy Wilson’s first victory as Fuel Masters head coach.
Raffy Verano led Phoenix with 19 points and nine rebounds, Tyler Tio added 17 points and seven assists, Kai Ballungay contributed 15 points, and Sean Manganti finished with 14.
For Converge, Bryan Santos and King Caralipio scored 12 points each, while Alec Stockton added 11, as the team limited minutes for twin towers Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana.
The Scores:
Third Place Game:
Phoenix 101 – Verano 19, Tio 17, Ballungay 15, Manganti 14, Tuffin 10, Salado 5, Alejandro 5, Ular 2, Daves 2, Rivero P. 2, Jazul 0.
Converge 80 – Caralipio 12, Santos B. 12, Stockton 11, Suerte 10, Javillonar 8, Santos R. 7, Garcia 6, Racal 5, Baltazar 4, Delos Santos 2, Arana 0, Casio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-12, 51-32, 76-54, 101-80/
Final:
NLEX 101 – Torres 19, Semerad 16, Bahio 12, Fajardo 10, Bolick 8, Policarpio 8, Valdez 7, Rodger 6, Mocon 6, Herndon 5, Ramirez 4, Amer 0.
Blackwater 84 – Barefield 15, Escoto 14, Ilagan 10, Mallillin 8, Murrell 8, Guinto 7, Tratter 4, Jopia 4, Andrade 4, Bayla 4, Mendoza 4, Zamar 2, Comboy 0.
Quarterscores: 20-28, 54-40, 74-63, 101-84.
