By: Arjohn Roxas
Behind flawless performances from Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales and Justine “Zaida” Palma, TNC Pro Team pulled off a 2-1 reverse sweep against Twisted Minds in Week 4 of the MPL Philippines Season 16 at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
The victory lifted TNC to a 3-3 record, strengthening their playoff bid. Twisted Minds, meanwhile, slipped to 4-3 but stayed in third place as they wrapped up their first-half assignments.
Coach Patrick “E2max” Caidic admitted that Game 1 served as a wake-up call, saying the team needed to reset their mindset to turn the series around.
“Medyo ramdam ko na nangapa ulit kasi may moment na kami yung lumalamang pero kami yung umaatras. So yun, parang na-realize namin na tama naman ginagawa namin mindset lang talaga yung naging problema which is na apply namin sa mga sumunod na games ang yun yung naging resulta,” he said.
In Game 1, Stephen “Sensui” Castillo’s Akai took control by securing every neutral objective.
His Heavy Spin during a 15th-minute base turret siege isolated Joshua “Chaknu” Mangilog’s Carmilla, sparking a decisive 2-for-0 trade that sealed the win.
Bennyqt answered back in Game 2, piloting Karrie to perfection with flawless positioning throughout the match.
He finished with a spotless 13-0-1 KDA to force a winner-take-all Game 3.
In the decider, TNC built as much as a 9,100 net worth lead, but momentum shifted at the 17-minute clash when Nosia’s sharp positioning punished Ch4knu’s Grock and Bennyqt’s Cici.
That wipeout allowed Twisted Minds to secure the evolved Lord.
Still, Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan’s Lunox turned the tide with a crucial Lord steal at the 21st-minute lord dance.
Moments later, Ch4knu redeemed himself with a Tectonic Charge on Nosia’s Beatrix, triggering a 3-for-1 trade that cleared the way for TNC to close out the series.
TNC will aim to finish their first half strong against ONIC on Sunday, September 15.
