South Built Esports kept the PH dream alive in the VCT APAC Stage 1 Challengers after dispatching Hong Kong-based team Oblivion Force, 2-0, in their do-or-die match in Group D on Saturday, March 19.

SBE, the lone PH representatives after Naos Esports and Action PH got eliminated, pumped some life to its campaign after the convincing win over Oblivion to set up another deathmatch against the loser of the clash between Thai team Full Sense and Indian squad Velocity Gaming.

SBE had good start to the series, racing to a quick 4-0 lead on the attacking side in Icebox. Oblivion however adjusted well and checked SBE’s point of attacks to turn the table to their favor, 7-5 at the half.

Elmer “Micro” Coloma then took matters in its own hands on his Viper to anchor the defensive side as SBE took the first five rounds after the switch. The PH bets never relinquished the lead from that point as they close out the map strong to score the first point of the series, 13-9.

Micro finished with 18 kills but he also got ample support from Johnty “JA” Arone’s Jett.

In Game 2 it was Azis “Azys” Nandang who starred for SBE with game-high 22 kills.

SBE remained solid on the defensive side in Ascent as it dominated Oblivion 8-4 in the first half. Oblivion though slowly climbed their way back to the game and cut the deficit to just one, 10-11, but SBE displayed its poise as it secured the last two rounds to fend off the late rally and eliminate its rivals, 13-11.

SBE will now only need a victory in its next match to catch the playoff bus.