The inspired winning run of TNC in the second round of the regular season may have fallen short to save its campaign but it still remained as an encouraging sign for skipper Ben “Benthings” Maglaque.

TNC skipper Ben "Benthings" Maglaque (MPL photo)

The Phoenix tried to rise from its own ashes, making a last-ditch run in the last two weeks after pulling off back-to-back upsets against the top two teams in the standings, upsetting Bren Esports first with a 2-1 victory before taking down M4 world champion ECHO with a 2-0 sweep.

The inspired run, however, was cut short by a 2-0 loss at the hands of Onic Philippines on Saturday, April 1.

“Ayun lang, pumuso kami. Hanggat hindi ina-announce (na tanggal na), yun yung (gusto) ng team e, ‘yun yung pinanghahawakan ng team. Hanggat ina-announce na wala na kami sa playoffs, hindi kami titigil bumawi,” said Benthings.

The TNC players actually revealed that they chose to not become aware of the implications of their remaining games, that’s why the team was actually caught by surprise when host Mara Aquino interviewed them before exiting the stage.

“Ako kasi personally, hindi ako nakatingin sa points e. Kaya nung nalaman ko na may final message, kumbaga nagka-clue na ako na wala na pala kami,” said Benthings.

It is now the second straight season that TNC failed to advance to the playoffs, more so exit the tournament as the eighth seed. The Phoenix, however, still has one more game to play against Omega Esports and wish for a graceful end to the season.

“Maraming, maraming salamat sa mga sumuporta hanggang dulo. Pinalakas niyo talaga yung loob namin. ‘Wag kayong mag-alala, may Season 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 pa,” said the obviously emotional Benthings.