ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Brian Kerle Basketball Academy is emerging as the team to beat in the inaugural Roxas City Invitational Tournament 2026.
The Brisbane-based squad seized the solo lead after extending its unbeaten run, routing fellow Australian team Universal Athlete Centre (UAC) Keysborough in the latest round of the tournament at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center.
The victory came after another impressive showing by Brian Kerle Academy, which had already announced itself as a serious title contender with a commanding 78-60 win over the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas. Max Kerle led that victory with 18 points, including four three-pointers, while Kurt Siwek, Jacob Gray and Darcy Ryder also delivered key contributions.
With its winning streak intact, the Australian academy has now created early separation in a tournament featuring a competitive mix of international and Philippine collegiate teams.
A Tournament Built for High-Level Competition
The Roxas City Invitational, running from August 21 to 26, brings together five teams from two countries: Australia’s Brian Kerle Basketball Academy and UAC Keysborough, UAAP squads De La Salle University and Adamson University, and NCAA representative Perpetual Help.
The event is more than just a battle for the championship. Organizers and city officials have positioned the tournament as part of Roxas City’s growing push for sports tourism, while also giving local basketball players and fans a rare opportunity to watch international and collegiate competition up close.
Brian Kerle Academy Showing Its Pedigree
The team’s strong start should come as little surprise. The Brian Kerle Basketball Academy is led by Australian basketball figure Brian Kerle, a two-time Olympian, four-time NBL champion and NBL Hall of Fame coach, according to the academy’s official information.
That experience is beginning to show on the Roxas City court, where the Brisbane squad has displayed depth, discipline and the ability to pull away from opponents.
Earlier in the tournament, Perpetual Help stunned UAC, 69-55, while Adamson escaped De La Salle, 72-69, highlighting just how unpredictable the competition can be. But as the games continue, Brian Kerle Academy’s consistency has put the Australian visitors firmly in the spotlight.
The question now is whether anyone can slow them down.
With the standings tightening and more crucial games still ahead, Brian Kerle Academy’s unbeaten run has turned the Roxas City Invitational into a chase — and every remaining contender knows the road to the top may have to go through Brisbane’s rising basketball powerhouse.
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