Aurora secured the fourth playoff spot in MPL Philippines Season 14 after eliminating TNC Pro Team in an intense three-game series, 2-1, on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
Aurora leaned on the consistent performances of Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo (Faramis) and Jan “Domeng” Delmundo (Moskov) in the decisive Game 3.
The duo combined for a KDA of 10 kills, 18 assists, and just one death, sealing Aurora’s victory in 15 minutes and 50 seconds.
A pivotal moment came at the 15:07 mark during a clash in the top lane, where Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse’s four-man Thirst of Blood ultimate on Carmilla left Shemaiah “SDzyz” Chu (Julian) as the only defender for TNC’s base.
Despite SDzyz’s efforts, the defense ultimately failed, securing Aurora’s win.
“Masaya pero hindi ito kase yung goal namin. Bali isa sa mga steps siguro [ang] makapasok sa playoffs pero hindi pa kase ito yung goal namin. So hindi pa namin kailangan mag-celebrate, parang ganun,” said a determined head coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani during the post-match interview.
Aurora made a statement in Game 1, quickly dispatching TNC in just 13 minutes and 49 seconds.
Demonkite’s stellar performance with Ling stood out, recording five kills, three assists, and one death. His Triple Kill in the final moments of the game sealed the victory with a straight push down the mid-lane.
TNC, however, refused to back down.
They bounced back with an almost perfect performance in Game 2, spearheaded by Jomearie “Escalera” Santos’ Ruby.
Escalera, who was named the match MVP, tallied two kills, eight assists, and just one death, forcing a decisive Game 3.
Looking ahead, Aurora will face Blacklist International on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., while TNC Pro Team will battle the same team on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
