Blacklist International leaned on the exploits of Edward “Edward” Dapadap to defeat a pesky Smart Omega squad, 2-0, securing their second win in MPL Philippines Season 13 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City on Sunday.
The M3 World Champions evened their record at 2-2, claiming the fourth spot in the standings with seven points to boot.
Blacklist head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza was impressed with the improvement of their rivals, who were just one teamfight away from winning both games they played that day.
“Okay din yung mga decision-makings nila. Nung unang game nila, kung makikita mo, medyo makalat pa. Siguro nag-grind din sila nang husto. Naayos nila yung mga dapat nilang ayusin, mga lessons learned sa mga past mistakes nila. So pagdating sa laban namin, talagang makikita niyong parang ibang team sila kumpara nung una nilang laban,” he said.
Blacklist engaged Omega in a close opening game, but Edward (Paquito) executed a genius split push in the midlane, catching the enemies off guard to abruptly end the game midway through the 18th minute.
Game 2 was another close encounter that boiled down to a 17th-minute sequence where Edward (Benedetta) once again almost single-handedly burst down John Paul “H2wo” Salonga (Natan) to help Blacklist secure the lord.
The three-time MPL PH champions then used the marching lord to take down all inhibitor turrets in the 19th minute and force the game-winning base turret siege moments later.
For coach BON CHAN, the draft in Game 2 proved crucial as it helped them prepare the right strategy heading into their closeout win.
“Kasi yung strat na ginamit nila, especially nung Game 2 nareveal agad nila kung ano yung gusto nilang gawin. Ruby, Natan, nagka-idea agad kami. Syempre kami yung unang nag-innovate non so alam namin kung paano i-counter yung ganung line up,” BON CHAN explained.
Blacklist will aim for win number three against ONIC Philippines on April 6.
