By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws Esports advances to the semifinals after two consecutive narrow wins against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament earlier today, May 15, at Gateway 2 Quantum Skyview in Quezon City.

FEU split both of their first two matchups against the University of Santo Tomas Teletigers, 0-2, and the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 2-0.

In their first match, the green-and-gold squad started with team captain Jordan Eder as Kalea, Justin Wage as Harith, Dashmielle Farin as Akai, Benedict Ablanida as Cici and Kevin Reyes as Kimmy. On the other hand, the blue-and-white squad started with Gatotkaca, Granger, Leomord, X.Borg, and Cecilion.

It was a slow start for both squads, but fortunately, Reyes was able to get the first blood at the 1:30 mark of the game after an impressive set from Farin.

This impressive play from the Akai user continued, as he was able to secure the first turtle in the match, giving FEU an early leverage.

The early gold advantage for the Morayta-based squad was vital to win their first two clashes in the game.

However, the momentum shifted towards AdU's side after killing the lord at the 11:16 mark of the game.

Fortunately, Wage was able to fend off the Lord's push at the mid lane.

Despite this great defense, the San Marcelino-based squad was able to penetrate, leaving the Morayta-based squad with one inhibitor turret left in the match.

In desperation, Wage was able to slay the next lord, which proved vital to land their first win of the day.

This excellent play from Wage earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game, finishing with nine kills, two deaths, and eight assists.

In the second game, the Tamaraws switched up their heroes, Eder as Khaleed, Wage as Irithel, Farin as Suyou, Ablanida as Phoveus, and Reyes as Kimmy. On the Falcons’ end, they used Gatotkaca, Granger, Hayabusa, Cici, and Valir.

It was a slow start yet again with the first clash happening at the 4:25 minute mark of the game. Unfortunately, it was AdU’s Hayabusa who notched the first blood.

However, it was a different story in their second clash, as the Tamaraws were able to get the four-man wipe courtesy of Wage and Farin.

This heightened play from the Irithel user continued as he was able to complete another four-man wipe, after another clash at the top lane at the 7:02 minute mark.

FEU was also able to secure the first two lords at the 12:24 and 15:50 marks of the game.

After a tumultuous few minutes, both squads calmed down and traded objectives up until the 19:31 minute mark as FEU was able to kill two opponents in a clash at the bottom lane.

Thankfully, this successful teamfight resulted in Farin stealing the lord yet again.

Nearing the end, the trio of Wage, Farin, and Reyes was able to push the bottom lane securing the crystal and their ticket to the semis at the 25:34 minute mark of the match.

Wage was once again named the MVP of the match as he put up nine kills, two deaths, and seven assists.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, team captain Eder shared his pride on securing back-to-back podium finishes.

"Sobrang nakaka-proud [kasi kahit] na andami naming struggles sa pagpa-practice, 'yung schedules namin, nairaos din, nakapag-podium [pa ulit], (I'm very proud, because even though we had many struggles in our practices, our schedules we still managed to secure a podium finish)," the he shared.

The in-game leader also highlighted that Wage was exceptional yet again, just like the prior tournaments.

“Tulad ng last season, nag-shine [ulit] siya sa tournament namin and ayun na-unleash 'yung laro niya, ayun din napansin ko last season, (He shined again just like our last tournament and his game was unleashed just like before)," Eder said.

Finishing the eliminations with a 2-1 record, the Morayta-based squad will continue their campaign against the top-seeded National University Bulldogs in the semifinals tomorrow, May 16, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)