RSG Philippines survived against MINANA Evos, winning 2-1, to secure their ninth victory and remain in contention for an outright upper bracket berth in the final week of MPL Philippines Season 13 on Friday at the Shooting Gallery Studios.
The Raiders (9-4) are currently tied with ONIC Philippines for the last slot in the upper bracket, with the latter holding the advantage in tiebreakers.
A victory by RSG against Blacklist International on Sunday, coupled with a loss by ONIC to AP.Bren on Saturday, will ensure the former’s advancement to the upper bracket.
RSG assistant coach Ivan Dale “Dalyot” Hipulan lauded MINANA for their performance as of late which also translated into a tough series for them.
“Nung mga early weeks ng MPL, parang di pa nila nakita yung timpla nila as a team. But then may mga adjustments silang ginawa. Kita niyo naman dun sa laro nila. Plus yung mga drafting nila umaayos na rin at may mga ginagawa na rin silang mga plano sa objectives,” the coach said.
“MINANA stepped up a lot coming into Week 6 and Week 7. Really good job for MINANA.”
In Game 1, RSG led by as much as 10k in net worth before sealing the opener with a 2-1 exchange during the game-winning base turret siege late in the 13th minute.
Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto was awarded the MVP honors as his Baxia finished with a perfect 3-0-9 KDA.
MINANA then squandered an 8k gold lead in Game 2 before displaying composure early in the 28th minute to force a 2-0 pickoff, followed by two more unanswered kills to level the series and extend it.
RSG quickly regrouped and dominated the deciding match, with Arvie “Aqua” Calderon (Faramis) leading the charge in a swift 12-minute victory.
The 22-year-old midlaner sealed the series win with a flawless 3-0-9 KDA.
