Aurora escapes ONIC PH as TNC, Omega grab important wins
Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Aurora escapes ONIC PH as TNC, Omega grab important wins
MAKATI — MPL Philippines Season 16 entered its sixth week on Saturday with three pivotal series inside the Green Sun Hotel, as playoff permutations begin to take shape.
TNC Pro Team secured a much-needed win against Team Falcons PH, Smart Omega swept Twisted Minds PH to climb the table, and Aurora Gaming edged ONIC Philippines in a heated clash between title contenders.
Falcons fall in reverse vs. TNC
TNC Pro Team kept their playoff hopes alive by reversing Team Falcons PH in a hard-fought series.
The Green Falcons opened strong in Game 1, closing out a 20-minute battle behind Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo’s Mathilda, who posted two kills and 12 assists. The win spoiled a strong effort from Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan, whose Zhuxin finished with a 7/2/3 stat line but could not carry the Phoenix Army through.
TNC quickly regrouped in Game 2, dominating in under 16 minutes. Frediemar “3Mar” Serafico’s Esmeralda anchored the charge with a flawless 4/0/9, while Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales surprised with a Bane pick that delivered three kills and seven assists. The Phoenix Army denied Falcons every major objective, forcing a decider.
Veteran Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog then took over in Game 3 with his Grock, orchestrating 11 assists in a 12-minute stomp. TNC’s objective control sealed the reverse sweep, extending Falcons’ struggles.
TNC improved to four wins this season and will face AP.Bren next week. Team Falcons, now searching for answers, meet Smart Omega on Sunday in another must-win encounter.
Omega become alpha over Twisted Minds
Smart Omega showed no hesitation against Twisted Minds PH, sweeping the series in under 30 minutes combined.
Game 1 ended in a fiery 13-minute contest with Omega running away 21–8 on kills. Kenneth “Netskie” Barro’s Harith shined with six kills and 10 assists, but it was James “Jeymz” Gloria who stole the show with an 11-kill Esmeralda, capped by a Maniac that dismantled Twisted Minds.
Omega stayed sharp in Game 2, closing another 13-minute match. Jeymz transitioned into Harith duty, recording a steady 3/1/3 performance, while Salic “Hadji” Imam’s Pharsa contributed four kills with well-timed Feathered Airstrikes. Twisted Minds struggled to respond, drafting with little magic damage, which Omega punished decisively.
The Barangay’s sweep boosted their playoff standing ahead of their Sunday matchup against Team Falcons. Twisted Minds, whose form continues to swing, will need a stronger response when they face defending champions Team Liquid PH.
Aurora stuns ONIC to secure eighth win
Aurora Gaming capped the day with a statement victory, outlasting ONIC Philippines in a marquee showdown between two of the league’s top squads.
Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo set the tone in Game 1 with a crisp Kimmy performance, notching two kills and seven assists. A critical pickoff near the Lord pit flipped the momentum, allowing the Northern Lights to wrap up the game in under 14 minutes.
ONIC refused to fold and battled back in Game 2, which stretched to 23 minutes and produced 27 total kills. King Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez delivered his best performance of the night, piloting Joy to a 10/1/3 KDA that broke Aurora’s defenses. Despite Yue and Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap’s efforts to prolong the game, ONIC’s late-game team fight proved decisive.
Aurora, however, roared back in the decider. Jan Dominic “Domengkite” del Mundo’s Granger dismantled ONIC with a flawless 8/0/1 outing, powering Aurora to a 15-minute closeout. The victory gave the Northern Lights their eighth win, putting them firmly in playoff position while halting ONIC’s rise.
Aurora will test themselves again against Team Liquid PH on Monday, while ONIC will look to bounce back against AP.Bren on the same day.
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