UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University (FEU) became the first team to enter the playoffs of the UAAP Season 87 Esports Valorant Tournament after scoring a 13-8, 13-11 win over University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.
The Tamaraw Esports, who finished winless in the inaugural season, clinched their second win in as many matches and just needs one more point to secure the top seed in Group B in the crossover semifinals.
"Bwenas pa kami ngayon. Hindi 'yun 'yung best game namin. Medyo shaky pa 'yung mga first half plays namin, pero thankful ako na naka-recover sila sa second half. Ayun nakuha namin 'yung panalo," said Tamaraws coach Lawrence Fillarca of their close encounter against UP.
After securing the Game 1 victory behind Andro Lapinid's takedowns, the Tamaraws found themselves trailing 8-2 early in Game 2, with Fighting Maroon Paul Uson delivering numerous highlight-reel plays.
Mark David Bastes, however, showed FEU's heart as his outplays in decisive 1-on-1 battles sparked the comeback victory by taking 11 of the final 13 rounds.
Bastes concluded the series with an MVP performance in Game 2, registering 23 kills and seven assists.
READ: UAAP Valorant: FEU rallies to claim top spot of Group B
Meanwhile, De La Salle University, defending champions in this special events tournament, emerged victorious with a commanding 13-2, 13-4 win over archrival Ateneo de Manila University to improve to 2-0 with six points and hold onto the top spot in Group A.
"Overall, para sa 'kin perfect naman 'yung naging laro namin. 'Yung reads namin sa laro and 'yung in-expect namin, 'yun naman 'yung nangyari. May mga throw rounds lang kanina pero we'll talk about it na lang later 'pag nag-VOD review kami. Pero good recovery pa rin overall. Nag-mo-move on agad kami kahit nag-to-throw kami ng rounds kahit papano," said Green Aces coach Aron Orlanda, commenting on his team's display of resilience when Ateneo fought back from its deficit.
La Salle flexed its might in the opener as Aaron Sablay's aggressive initiations turned a 2-2 deadlock into a one-sided affair by taking the next 11 rounds, 1-0. The reigning MVP posted 16 kills and seven assists in the Game 1 victory.
The Taft-based squad continued to rampage through Game 2 as Lance Novilla's double kill in Round 5 highlighted La Salle's 6-0 spread.
Debuting skipper Xavier Juan then provided stability for La Salle to deny Ateneo's multiple comeback attempts and complete the sweep.
Similar with FEU, La Salle only needs one more point to ensure the top seed position in the playoffs.
The Blue Eagles quickly bounced back on the same day by securing their second win, a 13-6, 13-7 victory over National University (NU), to close out the group stage with a 2-1 record and six points.
Tristan Monsod provided the crucial plays for Ateneo in Game 1, tallying 22 kills and four assists while leading the Eagles' surge from an 8-6 edge to a runaway victory.
Ateneo once again had to endure tense moments after NU threatened at 10-7 and had to rely on Christian Owen's sharpshooting to take the next three rounds for the sweep.
The Katipunan-based squad will lock in its playoff spot with a La Salle victory over University of the East tomorrow.