NLEX, Blackwater victorious in Kadayawan Invitational opener

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.

In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.

Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.

On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

In the second game, NLEX defeated Converge, 95-88, behind Robert Bolick’s 22 points, stopping the FiberXers’ comeback from an 18-point deficit.

Brandon Ramirez and Robbie Herndon added 14 and 12 markers, respectively, to help secure the win for the Road Warriors.

Meanwhile, Converge relied on Alec Stockton, Justine Baltazar, Bryan Santos, and King Caralipio, who each scored 11 points.

Action resumes at the same venue on Friday, with Phoenix facing Converge at 5 p.m., followed by NLEX against Blackwater at 7 p.m.