MDL PH | ONIC Arsenals vs Blacklist Academy | 21 February, 12:00 PM (PST)

[Mary C]

 

ONIC Arsenals vs Blacklist Academy 

ONIC PH, a team that has endured a year of heartbreaks, is undoubtedly the team that is most eager to end Blacklist International's hegemony. During that time, they suffered lopsided losses to Blacklist International in the finals of the MPL Philippines Season 8 and the M3 World Championship. However, it appears as though the team is done playing second fiddle to the two-time MPL PH champion this year. ONIC PH has the experience, the chemistry, and most importantly, the motivation to win what they nearly achieved in Season Eight if its roster is kept intact for its title pursuit in Season Nine. 

ONIC PH is the front-runner to usurp the throne based on their performance in the M3 World Championship, which featured the dynamic middle lane duo of Allen "Baloyskie" Baloy and Jaylord "Hatred" Gonzales. They can give Blacklist International a run for their money if they can save up enough gas to finish the tournament strong, something they failed to do in the previous two tournaments.

Blacklist International won back-to-back MPL Philippines championships and the M3 World Championship during their dominant 2021 season, solidifying their place in the history of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The power couple of Johnmar "OhMyV33NUS" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" Del Rosario won't be leading the team this time as it looks to add more trophies to its collection. 

Blacklist International, led by three of the league's most talented young players in Salic "Hadji" Imam, Kiel "OHEB" Soriano, and Edward "Edward" Dapadap, still has what it takes to successfully complete its three-pit bid. With the foundation of its prized system out for the remainder of the season, the team is undeniably extremely vulnerable right now. The top three teams, according to The Save Point, are capable of ousting Blacklist International from its two-season dominance in the MPL Philippines.