Blacklist International punched its ticket to the playoffs after sweeping ONIC PH, 2-0, in the second round of the MPL Philippines Season 10, Friday at the ICITE Auditorium.
The win also gave the Tier One-backed squad the top spot with a total of 22 points off a 7-4 win-loss standing.
“Expectations namin pagdating ng playoffs is mahihirapan kami. Mahihirapan kami dahil sobrang lalakas din talag ang mga teams ngayon pero yun yung maganda dun,” said Blacklist International head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza.
“Di mo na alam kung ano yung mangyayari, kung sino yung mag upper bracket or yung nasa lower pero isang magandang challenge yung para sa amin,” he added.
After securing a crucial kill on Frince “SUPER FRINCE” Ramirez’s Valentina during the 21st minute of Game One, Blacklist International split its manpower with Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario taking the Lord alone while the rest placed pressure inside ONIC PH’s base by trying to finish the game.
As Wise secured the objective, ONIC PH scored a kill on Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Lapu Lapu before taking down Kiel “OHEB” Soriano (Wanwan) and Salic “Hadji” Imam (Faramis) while Blacklist International was trying to retreat. Wise went down next as Johnmar “OhMyV33NUS” Villaluna (Estes) got out with only a sliver of health.
ONIC PH tried to end the game but was met by a three-man Blacklist International which wiped four of their members, resulting in the win.
OhMyV33NUS led the way with two kills and seven assists against one death while Hadji had two kills, three deaths, and seven assists. EDWARD, meanwhile, added four kills and four assists against two deaths in the Game One win that helped Blacklist International claim its spot in the postseason.
Unlike the opener, Game Two was a lopsided one in favor of Blacklist International.
The Faramis-Valentina combo of OhMyV33NUS and Hadji, respectively, proved to be a force for Blacklist International as they held ONIC PH scoreless in the first 11 minutes of the match.
A Lord take during the 12th minute sealed the deal for the reigning world champions.
Hadji once again starred in the win with a perfect 2-0-3 KDA line in Game Two in just 13 minutes and 50 seconds of action. Edward added three kills and an assist on Dyroth while OhMyV33NUS had five assists.
ONIC PH, who clinched the first seat in the playoffs last week, slid to the second spot with 21 points via a 7-5 card.
Blacklist International will close the seventh week against ECHO on Sunday, at 7:30 PM. On the other hand, ONIC PH will face Omega Esports tomorrow, Saturday at 5:00 PM.
