The final regular season games of MPL Philippine Season 14 featured a thrilling showdown between Aurora and Blacklist International, alongside a grand finals rematch between Team Liquid PH (TLPH) and Falcons AP Bren.
Falcons AP Bren secured the second seed, positioning themselves firmly in the upper bracket of the playoffs. This achievement came after their victory against their rivals, TLPH, in a grand finals rematch last Sunday.
Led by birthday boy Marco 'Super Marco' Requitiano, the M5 champions dominated with a stunning 14/1/6 kill/death/assist (KDA) ratio in Game 1, followed by a 1/0/6 KDA in Game 2.
"Tingin ko ang nangyari sa series 'yung sa Game 1 eh, masyado silang [TLPH] nagmadali pumatay kaya nakakabawi kami nang paisa-isa," FCAP coach Robert 'Trebor' Sanchez remarked.
The victory was highlighted by Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo’s game-winning plays with Tigreal in Game 1. In Game 2, David “FlapTzy” Canon’s Phoveus wreaked havoc, utilizing his zoning prowess to disrupt Team Liquid’s backlines and secure crucial teamfights.
Blacklist redeems against Aurora
Meanwhile, in Match 1, rivals Blacklist International and Aurora clashed, with the Codebreakers avenging their previous defeat.
Photo courtesy: MPL Philippines
John 'Perkz' Sumawan was named Match MVP with a remarkable 0/2/20 KDA, leading Blacklist to a 2-1 victory.
"Syempre labis na kaligayahan 'yung nararamdaman ko kasi grabe 'yung progress namin simula nung nag-start 'yung season. Sobra loss streak kami at sorbang bugbog then eventually, nakuha namin 'yung tamang timpla, mga tamang players. Ang dami kong ni-rumble na players, and hopefully, pagdating ng playoffs, mas mahigitan pa namin kung ano 'yung naging performance namin nitong patapos na 'yung season," said Blacklist coach Kristoffer 'Bon Chan' Ricaplaza.
Aurora took Game 1 thanks to Jonard Cedrix "Demonkite" Caranto’s 4/0/4 performance.
However, Blacklist swiftly retaliated in Game 2 with a 23-10 scoreline in just 22 minutes. Despite Demonkite's 10 kills and two assists in Game 3, Perkz' Mathilda led Blacklist to a comeback, contributing to all 20 kills while only falling twice.
Next week, the playoffs will commence, featuring intense battles among six esports teams.
Here is the schedule and matchups to look forward to in the upper and lower bracket matches.
