By REYNALD MAGALLON
TNC Pro Team finally snapped its six-game losing streak with a stunning 2-0 sweep of RSG Philippines to keep its playoff hopes alive in the MPL Philippines Season 8 on Friday, October 1.
In dire need of points to get a clearer shot at making the playoffs, TNC poured everything in Game 2 as it weathered a dominant start from RSG to take a 17-16 come-from-behind win for full three points in the standings.
RSG had a commanding 10k gold lead at the 15-minute mark with a Luminous Lord also marching on the side.
TNC, however, was determined to defend its base as Daniel “Chuuu” Chu’s Yi Sun Shin maneuvered a perfect pick off on Arvie “Aqua” Antonio’s Kagura on the backlines to start the clash.
The two teams were at stalemate after that clash as they lost three heroes each. That huge defensive stance, however, benefitted TNC more as it allowed Clarense “Kousei” Camilo’s Alice to reach its power spike in the late game.
It was a back-and-forth action from that point as neither team wanted to give space for the crucial Lord take. TNC, however, was able to sneak in and secure the Lord at the 29 minute mark.
RSG players called for a counter play but they were the ones who got punished after TNC’s retaliation. The clash ended with a three-for-two exchange plus a Luminous Lord in favor of TNC which ultimately sealed the victory for TNC.
Kousei claimed the MVP honors with a 7-4-5 KDA while Chuuu contributed four kills, five assists against four deaths.
TNC all had the momentum coming into Game 2 especially after a swift 16-11 victory in Game 1. TNC was then led by Chuuu on his signature Ling with a clean 7-0-5 scoreline while Frediemar “3martzy” Serafico on his Lapu-Lapu added three kills, eight assists against two deaths for TNC who returned its lineup to the original main five to start their three-game stretch this week.
With the win, TNC forced a tie with Omega with 10 points each, just two points behind the number six seed Bren Esports with 12 points. TNC, though, still have the daunting task of trying to try sweep their remaining games to give themselves a better chance at making the playoffs.
RSG, on the other hand, will stay at the third spot of the standings with 16 points across its name.