Multi-titled Falcons’ AP.Bren and his teammates from Team Sibol launched a devastating killing spree in the closing minutes of Game 5, securing a narrow 3-2 victory over a resilient Blacklist International on Thursday evening.
Veteran jungler and Cambodian Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Michael Angelo “Kyletzy” Sayson was pivotal in the Falcons’ push, landing decisive blows that propelled them to the upper bracket finals of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines Season 14 (MPL S14) playoffs at Green Sun Hotel.
Sayson’s performance, particularly with his fighter-assassin hero Suyou, was instrumental in the final two games, where AP.Bren clinched a 0-16, 14-10, 9-21, 11-8, 15-9 series victory over Blacklist International in the best-of-five upper bracket semifinals.
Another standout, Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel—also a SEA Games gold medalist—played a key role with his Zhuxin hero, offering crucial support to Sayson as they searched for gaps in Blacklist’s defenses.
Despite the loss, Blacklist remains in contention for the Grand Finals, relegated to the lower bracket semifinals but still with a chance to fight their way back.
“They (Blacklist) were completely different from what they were in the regular season. These guys are in full playoff mode,” said Falcons coach Francis John “Ducky” Glindro, acknowledging Blacklist’s formidable challenge.
Game 5 lasted 16 minutes and 18 seconds, with Sayson racking up a total of 10 kills to seal the match against Blacklist.
Blacklist started strong, securing a dominant 16-0 win in an 11-minute, 30-second clash, with Jhon “Lord JM” Sebastian earning MVP honors. Sebastian’s performance on Arlott was flawless, boasting six kills, zero deaths, and eight assists.
AP.Bren’s Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano helped level the series with his Harith hero, finishing with four kills, zero deaths, and eight assists in a tightly contested match that ended at the 16:51 mark.
In another playoff thriller, Aurora dethroned Team Liquid Philippines with a 3-2 win on Wednesday evening during the play-ins, taking control at the 4:56 mark and securing victory in just 14 minutes and 13 seconds.
