Victory never tasted sweeter for Team NO WAY OUT as they stormed through the competition to secure their second consecutive championship at the 2024 NBA 2K League (2KL) APAC Invitational, presented by Cignal. Held at the iconic SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, the two-day spectacle concluded with Team NO WAY OUT sweeping the LGE Eagles in the finals, cementing their dominance in the Asia-Pacific esports scene.
Led by captain Solomona “Monuhh” Faitaua-Nanai, Team NO WAY OUT showcased exceptional skill and teamwork. Alongside Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings, Dylan “DLaey” Lay, Dylan “Jxhnno-” Johnson, and Aiden “GoldenDunk” Fleming, the squad not only walked away with the championship title but also took home USD 5,000 and a guaranteed spot in the next APAC Invitational.
A Riveting Road to the Championship
The tournament, featuring four elite teams from the Asia-Pacific region, was packed with drama and breathtaking moments. Teams included the Philippines’ LGE Eagles and LGE Agila, alongside Oceania’s Team NO WAY OUT and Team Lock Up.
On the opening day, the semifinals delivered high-stakes action:
- LGE Eagles vs. Team Lock Up: LGE Eagles soared to victory with a clean sweep (60-45, 63-53), led by Lynard Clark “PHI_ZavalCB” Banzon, who dominated both games.
- Team NO WAY OUT vs. LGE Agila: In a thrilling series, Team NO WAY OUT narrowly edged out LGE Agila 2-1. Game 3 saw Dylan “Jxhnno-” Johnson drain a stunning buzzer-beater three-pointer to clinch the win, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The Finals: A Champion’s Resolve
The highly anticipated finals saw Team NO WAY OUT face off against the formidable LGE Eagles. Game 1 was a masterclass in coordination and precision, with Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings leading the charge to a 52-44 victory.
In Game 2, the Eagles mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just two points in the final seconds. But once again, Spierings proved why he was named Player of the Series, sealing a nail-biting 52-50 win for Team NO WAY OUT and securing the championship.
Beyond the Court: A Celebration of Esports and Basketball
The APAC Invitational wasn’t just about competition; it was a celebration of basketball culture and community. Fans enjoyed a 3v3 celebrity showmatch featuring stars like Isaac Go, Gabe Norwood, and Francis “UncleKevin2K” Maguliman. The final clash saw Team Tyler edge past Team Diego with a 21-16 victory, adding to the weekend’s excitement.
Interactive booths offered fans opportunities to showcase their basketball skills in shooting, passing, and vertical jumps. Attendees also explored gaming kiosks featuring NBA 2K25, captured memories at a photobooth, and shopped for exclusive merchandise at the NBA Store Philippines booth.
What They’re Saying
Solomona “Monuhh” Faitaua-Nanai (Team NO WAY OUT):
“Feels good to be back-to-back APAC Invitational champions. Not many people get to play in front of a big crowd like this, so it’s an honor to be part of events like these.”
Ade Mangum (NBA 2K League Head of Branded Content):
“We’re thrilled to have staged the APAC Invitational in the Philippines again. The incredible atmosphere, combined with Team NO WAY OUT’s stellar defense of their title, made this event unforgettable.”
Final Results
Championship Finals:
- Game 1: Team NO WAY OUT 52-44 LGE Eagles (Player of the Game: Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings – 28 points, 5 assists)
- Game 2: Team NO WAY OUT 52-50 LGE Eagles (Player of the Game: Harry “RealHvzn” Spierings – 23 points, 7 assists)
Semifinals:
- LGE Eagles vs. Team Lock Up (2-0):
- Game 1: LGE Eagles 60-45 (Player of the Game: Lynard Clark Banzon – 27 points, 3 assists)
- Game 2: LGE Eagles 63-53 (Player of the Game: Lynard Clark Banzon – 29 points, 5 assists)
- Team NO WAY OUT vs. LGE Agila (2-1):
- Game 1: LGE Agila 67-59 (Player of the Game: Miguel Hubillar – 22 points, 11 assists)
- Game 2: Team NO WAY OUT 52-45 (Player of the Game: Solomona Faitaua-Nanai – 17 points, 13 rebounds)
- Game 3: Team NO WAY OUT 53-50 (Player of the Game: Dylan Lay – 15 points, 6 assists)
Relive the Action
Catch all the highlights of the NBA 2K League APAC Invitational on Cignal’s Pilipinas Live app, available on the App Store and Google Play. For more updates, follow @NBA2KLeague on social media and visit 2kleague.nba.com.
