Aurora leaps to top after win vs. TNC; Falcons slide after loss vs. AP.Bren

Aurora leaps to top after win vs. TNC; Falcons slide after loss vs. AP.Bren

MAKATI — Aurora Gaming climbed to the top of the MPL Philippines Season 16 standings after a 2-0 sweep against TNC Pro Team on Sunday.

AP.Bren also closed their week strong, edging Team Falcons PH in a hard-fought 2-1 series to end their skid.

Hive swarming the Falcons’ nest

Team Falcons opened the series with a statement, taking a 14-10 win in 19 minutes behind Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano’s flawless 8/0/3 Granger, earning MVP honors. Michael “KyleTzy” Sayson’s Hayabusa added five kills, overwhelming James “JamesPangks” Mendoza’s Fredrinn despite Arvie “Aqua” Calderon’s efforts on Pharsa.

AP.Bren fired back in Game 2 with a clean 14-minute win, powered by JamesPangks’ Hayabusa (4/1/5) and Jan Carl “Shizou” Valdez’s Harith (7/2/2). Falcons kept the game close until the second Lord fight, but AP.Bren secured both the Lord and two key kills to take control.

Game 3 belonged to AP.Bren as JamesPangks shined with a dominant 7/1/5 performance on Suyou, securing their first successful outing with the hero in a 13-minute closer. Super Marco’s Lunox put up four kills, but AP.Bren’s early momentum proved too strong, while Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel had a quieter showing at 1/4/6 on Pharsa.

It was a pivotal moment for Aqua as the veteran midlaner entered the elite 2000-assist club after the series. He’s the 11th player in MPL-PH history to achieve the feat.

Falcons will try to recover against Team Liquid PH in their final first-half match, while AP.Bren faces Aurora in a clash of surging squads.

Aurora rose to top with win against TNC

Aurora started hot as Dylan “Light” Catipon pulled out a surprise Franco pick, earning MVP with eight assists in a 12-minute stomp of TNC. Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto’s Baxia added four kills, while Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog’s Gatotkaca struggled with four deaths.

TNC looked stronger in Game 2 behind Justin “Zaida” Palma’s Hayabusa (4/2/2) and Lancecy’s steady Pharsa, taking early objectives to keep pace.

But Aurora never lost control, with Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales’ turret falling in just two minutes and Light’s Badang landing a decisive combo alongside Jan Dominic “Domengkite” del Mundo’s Harith.

That clutch play dismantled TNC’s defense, leaving Zaida isolated as Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Esmeralda zoned out Ch4knu to seal the sweep.

Aurora now sits at 4-1 and will face AP.Bren in Week 4, while TNC looks to rebound against Twisted Minds PH next Saturday.

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Drew Malihan

Drew sucks at FPS games but loves watching PUBG and VALORANT. He found his way into esports through MLBB and HOK, and will die on the hill that Football Manager and even Excel deserve to be esports titles—despite not being good at any of them.

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