After a 15-match losing streak that spanned two seasons, TNC Pro Team finally snapped its skid in emphatic fashion, sweeping AP.Bren 2-0 in MPL Philippines Season 15 on Saturday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The Phoenix Army’s long-awaited victory marked their first win since Season 14, where they endured a historic 0-14 regular-season finish — the worst in MPL PH history — and suffered their fifth straight 8th-place finish.
TNC’s struggles continued into the new season, as they opened with a 2-0 loss to defending champion ONIC PH, extending their losing streak to 15 matches.
However, with their dominant performance against AP.Bren, the squad finally showed signs of resurgence and a turnaround.
“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kase kumbaga, yung lahat ng pinaghirapan namin na magkakasama ay nakitang namin ng [maganda] yung resulta,” said TNC Pro Team head coach Douglas “Imbadeejay” Astibe during the post-match interview.
In Game 1, Mark “Zaida” Palma (Suyou) spearheaded TNC’s front lines where he secured most of the objectives of the game and provided their much-needed kills throughout the 13-minute and 12-second match.
Zaida was then hailed as the MVP of the game, finishing with a flawless KDA of nine kills, five assists, and zero deaths.
Meanwhile in Game 2, Yawi’s Chou paved the way for TNC to seal the deal against AP.Bren.
The 23-year-old roamer spearheaded TNC’s frontlines, providing timely pick-off plays which allowed them to finish the 11-minute and 9-second match with a 15-6 killscore.
After showcasing a spectacular performance, Yawi earned the MVP honors with a KDA record of zero kills, two deaths, and nine assists.
Now looking to build momentum, TNC aims for back-to-back wins when they face Smart Omega on March 8 at 2:30 PM.
Meanwhile, AP.Bren will try to bounce back against Aurora on March 7 at 7:30 PM. Both matches will be held at the same Makati venue.
