Blacklist International secured its slot in the upper bracket after escaping Nexplay EVOS in a thriller of a Game Three, 2-1, in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines, Saturday afternoon.
Aside from securing one of the two top seats in the playoffs, Blacklist International also recorded its 11th straight victory with 28 points.
The Tier One-backed squad, despite playing from behind all game long, managed to secure the Luminous Lord entering the 23-minute mark after taking down Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera’s Grock.
Then, a crucial misplay from John Paul “H2wo” Salonga’s Lancelot, who used his Phantom Execution to check the bush, ended Nexplay EVOS’ hopes as Blacklist International punished him right on.
Kiel “OHEB” Soriano’s Natan, who kept Blacklist International kicking in the early parts of the game, was named the SMART 5G MVP in the tight Game Three victory which ran for 26 minutes and 11 seconds.
“Nakakapagod, nagtatanungan na kami kung winnable pa rin e pero winnable talaga,” said Blacklist International reserve Eson.
Blacklist International snowballed early in Game One, putting on a dominant 8-3 show to drain the life out of Nexplay EVOS.
Salic “Hadjizy” Imam’s playmaking abilities were in full display in the opener, taking the SMART 5G MVP award with a kill and five deaths without a single death in the match which lasted for 16 minutes and 14 seconds.
Fighting for dear life, Nexplay EVOS entered Game Two with vengeance – leaning on H2wo’s Lancelot to force a decider. He finished with nine kills, a death, and three assists in the 15-6 win.
Nexplay EVOS remained reclaimed the fifth spot with 15 points off a 4-6 standing.
Blacklist International will face off against the second-ranked ONIC PH tomorrow, Sunday at 4:00 PM. Meanwhile, Nexplay EVOS will take on TNC later in the day at 8:00 PM.
