Blacklist International kept its composure late in Game Three to fend off the upset-seeking Nexplay EVOS, 2-1, in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines Season Eight, Saturday night.
The Tier One-backed squad forged a tie with ONIC PH at the top spot with identical 2-0 records.
Blacklist International surged to an early advantage in Game Three, but Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera (Atlas) pulled off multiple plays to keep Nexplay EVOS alive in the match.
Unfortunately, a forced initiation by Yawi on Salic “Hadji” Imam’s Saber late in the match allowed Blacklist International to stave off the fan-favorites.
The SMART 5G MVP was handed to Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Phoveus, who finished with four kills and seven assists against just two deaths in the 23:04-minute match.
“Meron pa [kaming mailalabas], marami pa. Kasi binaban nila yung mga ginagamit namin so maoopen pa yung mga pinapractice namin na ibang hero,” said Hadji.
Blacklist International pulled another trick up its sleeve, showing off a Martis tank through Hadji in the series opener.
And safe to say, the jungler-turned-roamer made the best of the unorthodox pick.
The former Omega Esports core finished with an immaculate 4-0-6 slate while also tanking a total of 77-percent damage in the 13-5 Game One win while his frontline partner Edward (Barats) snagged the SMART 5G MVP award with four kills and six assists against one death.
Already at the jaws of defeat, H2wo saved Nexplay with a clutch Lord steal in Game Two which led to a 13-13 Game Two win. He finished with two kills and three assists in the match that lasted for 15 minutes and 13 seconds to nab the SMART 5G MVP award.
A crucial clash in the middle lane sealed the win for Nexplay EVOS in Game Two.
Blacklist International will go up against rival Omega Esports on Saturday at 8:00 PM while Nexplay EVOS looks to bounce back against TNC tomorrow at 6:00 PM.
