After securing a dominant Game 1 win over Blacklist International, ECHO struggled to start Game 2, putting them in jeopardy of dropping their first series in the MPL Philippines Season 12 regular season.
Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno, despite obtaining his core items early in the game, took the blame, admitting that his positioning during clashes had almost cost the defending champion the match.
“Yung early game po kasi ano eh, na-earlyhan kami nang sobra pero naka-farm naman po ako. Yun lang po mali yung mga pasok ko,” said the only two-time world champion.
But despite his early errors, the 19-year-old jungler showed great composure in the late game and proved why he’s one of the best Mobile Legends: Bang Bang players the scene has ever seen.
Blacklist International, who fielded a different roster composed of three rookies, was already on its way to evening the match after securing crucial kills on Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz (Mathilda) and Alston “Sanji” Pabico (Kadita) during the 24th minute Lord fight.
Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya (Terizla) kick-started the crucial base defense by throwing his body into the heart of the Tier One-backed squad’s five-man contingent to delay the push. Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales’ Wanwan then took the baton, utilizing his Crossbow of Tang to further slow down the opposing side.
From there, KarlTzy (Joy) took over, dashing through Blacklist International’s heroes to clear the minion wave in the middle lane to buy precious time for Jaypee and Sanji to respawn and help Bennyqt defend their base.
Blacklist International managed to erase KarlTzy, but that proved to be enough for ECHO to reset and complete its nail-biting, come-from-behind victory in 38 minutes and 15 seconds – the longest this season.
“Sinabi ko po na ako yung mag-clear ng mid tapos siya [Bennyqt] yung sa top kasi madedelay po yung sa top eh. Okay lang po mamatay ako kasi mabubuhay na rin si Jaypee,” shared the Hall of Legends member.
“Yung sa last clash na po, tinulak po namin yung side [lanes]. Shotcall po namin don yung harap na lang po patayin ‘wag na ipilit yung likod kasi masakit po yung kidlat ng Lord.”
The win allowed ECHO to extend their dominant streak to eight games and strengthen their hold of the top spot in the standings with an immaculate 8-0 record.
