G2 Esports has taken down Team Spirit to book a spot in the semi-finals of BLAST Premier Fall Finals, where they will face Vitality for a spot in the semi-finals. The stars of G2 in, NiKo and m0nesy found themselves in fine form against the CIS side despite the rest of the squad struggling given their usual standards. G2 managed to overcome their usual woes to close the series in 2-0 fashion.
VETO
- Spirit removed Inferno
- G2 removed Vertigo
- Spirit picked Dust2
- G2 picked Mirage
- Spirit removed Ancient
- G2 removed Anubis
- Nuke was left over
Map 1: Dust 2; Pick: Team Spirit; Winner: G2
Spirit found themselves on the backfoot right from the get go, as G2 got off to a good start. With the first gun round going their way, Spirit managed to level the scoreline and tested G2’s defence to a stalemate. The lack of dynamism in their defence enabled Spirit to take a lead which G2 managed to equilize by the end of the first half as both teams took 6 rounds each.
G2 really came on to their own in the second half, only losing 3 rounds in the process. Their T side rounds came in thanks to the individuals showing their prowess when it mattered. NiKo, m0nesy and malbs were able to come up with big rounds of their own while the likes of huNter and Snax struggled to keep up. The Guatemalan closed the map for G2 with a stellar ace, winning the game with a 13-6 scoreline. With a 1.38 rating and 20 frags to his name, NiKo consistency throughout the map was instrumental in G2 going 1-0 up in the series.
Map 2: Mirage; Pick: G2; Winner: G2
Despite showing their prowess in the last map, G2’s T side had become too predictable, especially in the likes of Mirage and Inferno, which was evident given how Team Spirit managed to read them on a plethora of occasion. With only 4 to their name, G2 was struggling to keep with Team Spirit as the first half concluded with a 8-4 scoreline favouring the Russians.
The second half saw G2 step it up a notch, as much better performance from the whole squad inspired a comeback as we pushed to the first overtime of the map. G2 starting on the defence managed to win 2 rounds as they found themselves 2 rounds away from taking the series home. Despite Spirit cutting both rounds close, the second half of G2 saw the G2 close the map a with 16-13 scoreline. Once again, consistency across regulation and overtime from NiKo and m0nesy but 31 frags from the latter saw him take home the MVP for the map and the series.
Team Spirit’s tactical problems were once again highlighted and with top players on their roster, it is only a matter of time before they figure out a system that suits their players. With the major approaching, they have their backs against the wall given the limited time in their hand to iron out their issues.
