If there’s one thing Blacklist International learned after the loss to Omega Esports, it’s to refrain from making obscene hand gestures during the post-match celebration.
“Natuto kami na ‘wag mag mag ganun ganun na gesture ‘pag matatapos na yung laro, yun yung natutunan namin,” quipped Blacklist International tactician Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza moments after the team’s 1-3 loss to Omega Esports on Friday night.
Obviously, the beloved coach was poking fun at Kiel “OHEB” Soriano, who flashed his middle finger moments after Blacklist International’s regular-season victory over the same squad last October 9 that earned him a two-game suspension.
The 17-year-old OHEB missed Blacklist International’s 2-0 victory against Bren Esports on the final day of the regular season and its first playoff assignment in Omega Esports that resulted in the loss that sent them down the lower bracket for the first time in two seasons.
According to Blacklist International analyst and reserve Dexter “DEX STAR” Alaba, OHEB’s absence played a role in the loss against Omega Esports. And while the team offered no excuses, OHEB’s sudden suspension was very much felt as the team had to shuffle roles in Game Four to try and salvage the series.
“Malaking factor kasi from week one to week six siya yung nag laro siyempre yung chemistry, yung preparation na kay OHEB na kumbaga kahit nakapikit na ‘yan alam na nila yung galaw nang isa’t isa,” said the MPL veteran.
“Hati yung preparation dahil half kay ESON, half kay OHEB, kaya mahirap. Medyo mahirap pero kailangang gawin [there’s] no other choice.”
When asked what the team needed to do in order to bounce back from the sorry loss, DEX STAR bared that the team needs to go all-in against Nexplay EVOS tomorrow, Saturday at 3:00 PM.
“All in. Sakin all in na siguro.”
