By: Aianna Xyril Monsod
Photo Courtesy: Hans Steve Nieva / Coach of Cyberknights
Colegio de San Juan de Letran edged out Lyceum of the Philippines University, 2-1, in a best-of-three Mobile Legends match during the round robin group 1 stage of the NCAA 100 Esports Kick-Off held earlier today, June 28.
Letran opened the series strong with a 13-minute win over LPU, 16-8, behind early map control and objective dominance. CORPUZ on Zhuxin and ACERA on Gatotkaca boxed out key areas, setting the tempo from the start. LPU’s FURAQUE delivered heavy damage with Pharsa, but it wasn’t enough to stop MERCADO’s Harith, whose massive shield and perfectly timed Zaman Force helped secure a full-team wipe and seal game 1 for the Knights.
CORPUZ showcased exceptional control and map presence with Zhuxin, recording a 3-0-12 KDA to claim MVP. MERCADO followed up with a dominant gold lane performance on Harith, going 6-0-3 and proving nearly impossible to catch in every team fight.
LPU bounced back with a strong response in Game 2, fending off an explosive start from Letran. Despite the Knights securing three Lords, they couldn’t break through the Pirate’s resilient defense. MENDOZA’s Masha proved to be a thorn in their side, constantly threatening with split-push pressure and delaying their advances. With both sides down to one turret and their base, the fourth Lord became the deciding moment. The Pirates secured it after taking down Letran’s jungler and they marched through the middle to claim the win and force a Game 3.
CASTRO led LPU to victory with a standout performance on Akai, finishing with a 5-2-15 KDA. Despite the loss, MERCADO remained a key force for Letran, posting an impressive 7-3-6 on Harith.
Game 3 saw hero switches from the previous match, with LPU taking Zhuxin and Letran grabbing Granger and Kimmy, alongside a shift from utility to assassin junglers in the series decider. The Pirates seized control early in the game after securing the second turtle and picking up multiple kills, including a double from CASTRO’s Roger. Momentum swung back when the Knights scored three kills at the cost of one and claimed the third turtle, which set the stage for them to claim the first Lord.
At the 18-minute mark, the Knights suffered a full wipeout, but their well-timed lane pressure kept the Pirates from ending the game, forcing them to settle for Lord control. Letran, though trailing by 7,000 gold, managed to hold their ground on defense.
Right before the next Lord contest began, LPU’s CASTRO with a Ling attempted to clear the bottom lane but was caught out with Letran’s LOYOLA already in position and quickly backed up by his teammates to secure the pickoff. With no retribution holder left, the Pirates still tried to contest the Lord but were wiped out, giving the Knights a clear path to victory and sealing the series 2-1.
CORPUZ once again claimed MVP honors, this time with a 7-5-19 performance on Kimmy that helped propel the Knights to a series-clinching victory in Game 3.
The win earns the Letran Knights two points in the group stage as they gear up for their next match against Arellano University on June 29.