MPL PH Season 15: AP.Bren out of playoff race; Aurora inches closer to upper bracket
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
MPL PH Season 15: AP.Bren out of playoff race; Aurora inches closer to upper bracket
MAKATI — AP.Bren’s playoff hopes officially ended on Sunday after falling 0-2 to defending champions ONIC Philippines, while Aurora Gaming tightened their grip on an upper bracket spot as MPL Philippines Season 15 wrapped up its seventh week.
The Bees’ 11th loss of the season mathematically eliminated them from postseason contention, marking their first absence from the playoffs since Season 10.
In-form Super Fam strikes again
ONIC Philippines wasted no time asserting dominance as King Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez’s Hayabusa ran circles around AP.Bren in an 11-minute opener. K1NGKONG tallied five kills and nine assists to spearhead an 18-3 demolition.
On the other hand, Jan Carl “shizou” Valdez’s Granger struggled to find footing, posting only a kill and an assist while dying four times. James “JamesPangks” Mendoza’s Joy had little impact on objectives, failing to secure any turtle or lord control throughout the match.
The defending champs kept the momentum rolling into Game 2, where Frince “SuperFrince” Ramirez unleashed a near-flawless performance with Selena, finishing with nine kills and 11 assists.
Despite Jerry Ian “chovskrt” Nicol’s efforts with Luo Yi, AP.Bren’s plays were often scouted and foiled, leading to a 22-7 rout to complete the sweep.
ONIC PH remains in the hunt for an upper bracket berth, facing Smart Omega and Twisted Minds PH in crucial matchups next week. Meanwhile, AP.Bren will wrap up their campaign against Smart Omega and Team Falcons PH, aiming to end their season with pride.
Aurora halts TNC’s resurgence
Aurora Gaming opened their day with a masterclass, routing TNC Pro Team 16-2 in just under 13 minutes.
Jan Dominic “Domengkite” Del Mundo led the charge with Moskov, posting seven kills and eight assists. Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto also impressed with the first successful Hanzo pick of the season, tallying four kills and five assists while keeping TNC’s backline constantly under pressure.
Despite putting young upstart Kyle “Koyl” Reyes and veteran Frediemar “3MarTzy” Serafico back in the lineup, TNC struggled heavily, with the duo accounting for half of their team’s deaths.
TNC bounced back strongly in Game 2, delivering a resounding 25-7 statement win. Aurora’s frontline crumbled under heavy pressure, with Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse’s Chip and Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap’s Hylos combining for 18 deaths.
The Phoenix Army capitalized on a chaotic lord fight, with TNC flipping the game despite Aurora securing the lord. Demonkite’s Suyou’s decision to split push backfired, leaving Aurora outnumbered and overrun.
Aurora responded in Game 3 by returning to their classic comfort pick — Edward’s signature Esmeralda — combined with Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo’s Yve and Renejay’s Kalea. Their gamble paid off as Aurora’s macro execution overwhelmed TNC.
Edward clinched MVP honors with a composed 2/1/5 performance, including an impressive lord steal. Yue followed with a strong showing, recording four kills, one death, and five assists, while getting the crucial last lord and sealing the deal.
Aurora Gaming now gears up for an all-important Week 8 against fellow contenders Team Liquid PH and Team Falcons PH, while TNC faces Liquid PH in their final regular-season match ahead of the playoffs.
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