Execration pulled off a winning pickoff on the opponent Anti-Mage in Game 3 to edge out 496 Gaming of Vietnam, 2-1, and remain in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)-Southeast Asia Upper Division on Wednesday night.
As the Aegis of Immortal in the hands of Trinh "458" Van Tho's AM expired, Execration went full force to kill the sneaky carry in the 43rd minute before proceeding to close out the do-or-die game with a 53-26 scoreline in 48 minutes.
The Kimuel "Kim0" Borromeo-coached squad ended their first season campaign with a 2-5 record, enough to keep its spot in the Upper Division.
Execration got its first win when it stunned powerhouse TNC Predator, 2-0, in the opening week only to struggle later on.
Luckily, the boys in black and blue managed to get their acts together in their final game as position-4 support Don Carlo "BDz" Manalo's Puck came through with clutch Dream Coil plays and offlaner Glenard "Rupido" Rugay's Mars put up crucial Arena of Blood placements.
Ex-Execration standout and stand-in carry Fernando "Nando" Mendoza also stepped up in the absence of midlaner Ken "Ken" Llesis who missed the series, which forced Yuri Dave "Yowe" Pacaña to play as position-2.
Exe won the series opener in just 22 minutes but 496 struck back with a 40-minute triumph in Game 2.
Finishing with a similar 1-6 slate, 496 and Vice Esports are set to be relegated to the Lower Division next season. They will be replaced by Smart Omega and the other top finisher in the Lower Division.