By: George Torno
AP Bren triumphed over ONIC Philippines with a dominant 2-0 sweep in Week 6 of MPL Philippines Season 16 on Monday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The Hive’s victory improved their record to 4-6, keeping them in close contention with TNC Pro Team (4-6) for the sixth spot in the standings.
With their playoff hopes on the line, head coach Jeffrey “Jeff” Manforte stressed to his squad just how crucial this week was — and they delivered.
“Ngayong week kasi yung pinaka-crucial week namin kumbaga eh. Sinabi ko talaga sa mga players ko, once di kami nakakuha ng puntos this week — since tatlo yung laban namin — consider na natin na out of playoffs tayo,” Jeff said.
AP Bren set the tone in the opener, taking full control of the map as James “Jamespangks” Mendoza (Yi Sun-shin) led the charge, forcing ONIC on the defensive.
By the 13th minute, Jan “Shizou” Valdez (Ruby) caught King “K1NGKONG” Perez (Lancelot) during the lord dance, paving the way for Jan “Lord JM” Marl (Esmeralda) to land a decisive Falling Star Moon. The sequence triggered a 5-for-1 wipeout that sealed Game 1.
In Game 2, AP Bren stuck with the same lineup. Shizou debuted his pick on Obsidia, relentlessly pressuring K1NGKONG’s Lancelot at every objective, while Lord JM (Uranus) effectively zoned out four ONIC members.
The turning point came in the 14th minute when Borris “Brusko” Paro (Hylos) was caught off guard, setting up a lord push on the top lane and a mid-tower collapse. The opening allowed Bren’s minions to march into the base and close out the series.
With the sweep, AP Bren not only tightened their playoff bid but also sent a strong statement — the Hive are regaining their form just in time for the season’s crucial stretch.
