NLEX beats Converge 95-88 in Kadayawan opener, Blackwater defeats Phoenix

NLEX secured a 95-88 victory over Converge in the opening game of the 40th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday in Davao.

Richie Rodger's late-game three-pointer sparked a crucial 7-0 run that helped NLEX overcome a significant lead squandered earlier in the match.

Blackwater also emerged victorious, defeating Phoenix with a score of 94-81 in the tournament's first day, marking the debut of new Phoenix coach Willy Wilson.

Sedrick Barefield led Blackwater to victory with a strong performance, scoring 28 points and hitting six three-pointers.

Magnolia recently acquired Javi Gomez de Liaño from Terrafirma as part of their first major move under new coach LA Tenorio, trading guard Jerrick Ahanmisi and their second pick in the upcoming season.