By REYNALD MAGALLON
NLEX and Blackwater took down its rivals for a winning start in the opening day of the 2025 Kadaywan Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the USEP Gym.
Sedrick Barefield waxed hot as the Bossing cruised to a 94-81 over the Phoenix Fuel Masters while Robert Bolick helped the Road Warriors eke out a 95-88 escape of the Converge FiberXers.
Barefield erupted for 28 points spiked by six three-pointers including three straight that sparked Blackwater breakaway in the third frame.
The Bossing were only holding onto a 72-66 lead when Barefield caught fire and made it, 81-68. Phoenix simply ran out of steam from there as Blackwater picked up the morale-boosting win in a fitting start to its buildup for the PBA Season 50.
Also shown out for Blackwater was Jed Mendoza who was still trying out for a spot in the Bossing roster but made a good account of himself with 16 points. Troy Malilin also had 17 points to go with six rebounds.
Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay had 12 apiece for Phoenix.
Meanwhile, NLEX led by as many as 18 points but still had to overcome a brave comeback from Converge in the end game. The Road Warriors unloaded a back-breaking 7-0 finishing kick to join the Bossing with a 1-0 record.
Bolick had 22 points in the contest that saw Richie Rodgers nail the booming triple that put the Road Warriors ahead for good after an 88-all deadlock in the waning minutes.
Brandon Ramirez and Robbie Herndon provided support with 14 and 12 points respectively.
Four FiberXers finished in double figures with Alec Stockton and Justin Arana finishing with 11 apiece. Converge played without Schonny Winston who has yet to sign a contract extension with the team.
