NLEX Lights It Up From Deep, Claims Kadayawan Crown Over Blackwater, 101-84

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by Lou Reyes

NLEX forward Anthony Semerad.
NLEX forward Anthony Semerad. Photo: PBA Images.

The Road Warriors are back in business—and they made sure everyone in Davao knew it. NLEX unleashed a three-point storm to capture the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament championship, taking down Blackwater, 101-84, in the title showdown on Sunday at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym.

After falling to the Bossing earlier in the prelims, the Road Warriors flipped the script when it mattered most. NLEX rained down 18-of-34 triples on an unsuspecting Blackwater squad, turning the championship game into their own shooting clinic.

Xyrus Torres led the charge with 19 points, showing off his sweet stroke from beyond the arc, while veteran forward Tony Semerad delivered a Finals MVP-worthy performance—16 points, 12 boards, and clutch threes in the decisive fourth quarter. Semerad drilled three long bombs in the last period alone as NLEX pulled away for good, outscoring Blackwater, 27-19.

The victory is more than just a preseason trophy—it’s a huge confidence booster for the Road Warriors as they set their sights on the upcoming PBA season. For a team eager to bounce back after last conference’s playoff exit, this fiery showing couldn’t have come at a better time.

The NLEX Road Warriors win the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament.
The NLEX Road Warriors win the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament. Photo: Manila Bulletin.

But credit to Blackwater as well. The Bossing had a strong tournament run, sweeping the prelims—including a comeback win against NLEX—and proving they’re no pushover heading into the season. In the finals, Sedrick Barefield (15 points) and Richard Escoto (14) tried to keep them within striking distance, but NLEX’s hot shooting simply couldn’t be matched.

Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double for the Road Warriors (8 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists), while JB Bahio (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Dominick Fajardo (10 points) provided solid support.

NLEX guard Robert Bolick.
NLEX guard Robert Bolick. Photo: PBA Images.

Meanwhile, in the battle for third, Phoenix avoided a winless stint by blasting Converge, 101-81. Raffy Verano posted 19 points and nine boards, while Tyler Tio (17) and Kai Ballungay (15) powered the Fuel Masters to their first victory under new head coach Willy Wilson.

For NLEX, though, this was their night. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Road Warriors let it fly, made it rain, and walked away with the Kadayawan crown.

Road Warriors fans, take note: if this sharpshooting form carries over to the PBA season, NLEX might just be the team to watch.