Basketball is back in full swing — and this time, it’s lighting up the south. In the heart of Davao City, four PBA teams are turning up the heat at the Kadayawan Invitational, a tournament packed with thrilling finishes, timely threes, and a whole lot of passion. Let’s dive into how this hoops showdown kicked off and what’s at stake for the teams chasing glory ahead of the league’s jubilee season.
NLEX Road Warriors. PBA
NLEX and Blackwater Set the Tone
Opening day didn’t disappoint. NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing both came out swinging—and they walked away with wins to show for it.
NLEX Rises Above the Rally
In a gripping first game, NLEX outlasted the Converge FiberXers, 95–88. But don’t let the final score fool you—it was a rollercoaster ride to the buzzer.
Alec Stockton nearly stole the spotlight, fueling Converge’s comeback when NLEX’s double-digit cushion started slipping. But up stepped Richie Rodger, calmly draining a clutch three-pointer to break an 88-all deadlock with just 1:31 left in the fourth. With that, the Road Warriors sealed the win and fired up their campaign for the Kadayawan crown.
Blackwater Hits the Gas Late
Earlier in the day, Blackwater squared off against the Phoenix Fuel Masters—the latter debuting their new head coach, Willy Wilson. Things were close until the fourth quarter, when Sedrick Barefield decided it was go time. He knocked down three successive triples to douse Phoenix’s momentum, pushing the Bossing to a 94–81 victory. That late-game flurry? Absolutely electric.
Setting the Stage for Sunday
If you’re wondering why these wins matter—it’s not just about pride. This four-team, single-round tourney leads straight to a championship clash on Sunday. Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Top 2 teams face off for the title
- Bottom 2 teams compete for third place
So yes, every game counts. With NLEX and Blackwater now leading the pack, their upcoming battle will be more than a regular matchup—it’s practically a semi-final.
Thursday’s Must-Watch Doubleheader
📍 Venue: University of Southeastern Philippines Gym
🕔 Phoenix vs. Converge | 5:00 PM
🕖 NLEX vs. Blackwater | Right after
Expect fireworks. For Phoenix and Converge, it’s all about staying alive. For NLEX and Blackwater? It’s a shot at an early ticket to the championship game.
Bigger Picture: Prepping for PBA’s 50th Season
Let’s not forget, this isn’t just about one tournament. These games are a vital warm-up for the PBA’s monumental 50th season tipping off on October 5. Coaches are fine-tuning rotations, rookies are proving their worth, and strategies are unfolding in real time.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just catching the pulse of Philippine hoops, now’s a great time to get plugged in.
Part of the 40th Kadayawan Festival
Bonus? It’s all happening in celebration of Davao’s beloved 40th Kadayawan Festival—a vibrant fusion of culture, colors, and competitiveness. Having basketball in the mix? Absolutely chef’s kiss.
So, who’s firing on all cylinders? Who’s just getting warmed up? This week in Davao is more than just a mini-tournament—it’s a sneak peek into the heart and hustle of the PBA.
Let’s see who rises and who hits reset. Because come Sunday, only one gets to call themselves the Kadayawan champ.
Stay tuned, and keep your jerseys ready—the road to Season 50 starts here. 🏀🔥