RSG Philippines emerged victorious in a lengthy three-game series against AP.Bren Esports, securing a 2-1 win in Week 1 of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 12 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.
Game 2, which lasted for 30 minutes and 55 seconds, became the longest match, but it was quickly surpassed by Game 3, which lasted for 35 minutes and 12 seconds.
With this win, RSG improved its record to 2-1 (4 points), momentarily taking the third spot in the standings. AP.Bren remained in second place with the same number of points but with an even 1-1 record.
“Today naisip ko, maybe two minutes na feedback lang tapos three minutes that is more hype. Para may energy,” shared RSG head coavh Brian “Panda” Lim on what transpired after Bren forced a Game 3. “Kaya rin siguro sa Game 3, they didn’t lose hope.”
RSG squandered a significant early-game lead after an ill-advised jungle aggression in the 11th minute, resulting in a double kill for Marco Stephen “SUPER MARCO” Requitano of AP.Bren. This turned the tide of map control in favor of AP.Bren. However, Eman “EMANN” Sangco (Bruno) displayed impeccable marksmanship during the 14th-minute lord dance, allowing RSG to secure a 4-1 trade-off and execute the game-winning push on the enemy base turret.
Game 2 came down to a crucial equipment shuffle executed by Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson (Fanny) in the 30th minute. He survived Dylan “Light” Catipon’s Tyrant’s Rage set-up along with John Darry “1rrad” Abarquez (Guinevere). With RSG committing two vital resources, KyleTzy displayed incredible micro-mechanical skills, narrowly escaping death before AP.Bren retaliated with a 3-0 wipe to force an extension, making the score 1-1.
In Game 3, AP.Bren took control from the beginning, establishing a dominant 7-0 lead in kills that they maintained throughout the match. RSG showcased solid defenses against multiple base turret sieges until they made a breakthrough in the 33rd minute when Light (Ruby) used a clever play to pick off Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel (Pharsa), leading to a 3-0 wipe that ultimately ended the series.
Next up, Bren will face Onic Philippines on September 15, while RSG will aim to continue their winning streak against Minana Evos on September 16.
