Twisted Minds outlast AP.Bren for red-hot 2-0 start in MPL PH S16

Twisted Minds continued to turn heads after pulling off a gritty 2-1 win over AP.Bren to stay unbeaten through Week 1 of the MPL Philippines Season 16 on Sunday at the Green Sun Hotel.

Twisted Minds, bannered by former Onic x Nine Lives standouts, picked up where it left off from its shocking sweep of Team Falcons just a day ago as it cruised to a surprise 2-0 start.

But unlike their dominant sweep of Team Falcons, Twisted Minds had to grind out a tougher win this time.

With the series tied at one game apiece, Twisted Minds set the tone in Game 3 by storming to a commanding 7-0 kill spread within the first five minutes thanks to three early kills from roamer John Carlo "Caloy" Roma (Kalea). 

AP. Bren tried to prolong the game with jungler Jonathan James "JamesPangks." Mendoza (Lukas) going for a one-on-one duel against his counterpart Michael "MPthe King" Endino (Yi Sun-shin), but the latter prevailed. 

That spelled the difference as two more AP. Bren players went down, paving the way for the Twisted Minds' tower lock to finish it off before the 12th minute mark. 

Midlaner Miguel "Sionnn" Alcantara claimed the MVP honors after unleashing eight kills and eight assists against no death on his Kagura. 

But despite their impressive 2-0 start, Twisted Minds remains grounded, knowing the road ahead in MPL PH will only get tougher as they take on Smart Omega and defending champion Team Liquid next week. 

"Siguro masyado pang maaga para sabihin na nasa final form na sila.  Para sa akin, marami pa talaga silang kailangan i-improve," Twisted Minds head coach Kristoffer "Bonchan" Ricaplaza said. 

"And kaya ako napamahal sa kanila, sobrang wala kaming problema pagdating sa outside the game."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News