After two upper bracket games in the Halo 2 championship bracket, the number one and two seeded teams are now fighting for survival as they are brought into the lower bracket along with a number of teams that would love to defeat them.

Final Boss felt their demise to Str8 Rippin, who was able to dominate overall in a 3-1 map score. Although Final Boss was able to take the first map (Bomb Midship) in a very close 2-1 game, they were no match to Str8 Rippin in this series as Str8 was able to put up some rather amazing numbers against number one seed Final Boss. Taking a demanding lead in the second game (TS Midship), Str8 was able to shut down the Ogre twins as they cruised on to a 50-40 victory.

The third game was where the intensity stood. Being an Oddball game on Lockout meant that the two teams would be fighting together for a main objective. Str8 started off strong, picking up nearly 45 seconds over FB with Legit carrying the ball. Coming back from a nearly minute deficit, Final Boss fought with Str8 back and forth with no more than one second separating the two teams. In the end, Str8 was able to pull away from FB and secure a 4:35-4:09.

Map four just happpened to be Warlock, one of FB's strongest maps in the past. Today would be different, as for nearly the first time in all of the MLG events that I have attended FB was shut down completely. In a mere ten minutes, Str8 had five flag caps on FB to win the game. Final Boss was only able to pick one as ElamiteWarrior showed his power by running through the map numerous times, tossing the flag as if there were nobody in the server.

Carbon had no luck either against Nice Like Rice as they were defeated three maps to one as well. Carbon started off very strong seeming natural by winning 3-0 in Bomb Midship. The tables would turn as Nice Like Rice would fight for their lives. Coming back in map two (TS Midship), NLR nudged Carbon out of the way 50-47.

Map three would give NLR the advantage in Oddball as they were able to hold Carbon down to a score of 3:55. With their 4:19, NLR seemed determined to win it all and make it into the Upper Bracket Finals. The determining rounds being placed on map four, NLR was able to put their best foot forward and take control of Warlock in CTF, albeit in a very close match. Trading points back and forth, we saw Carbon fighting desperately to stay in the upper bracket against NLR. In the end, NLR was able to squeeze out a fourth cap and basically the win over Carbon.



Now we have a totally new upper bracket finals match that has never been seen before. Final Boss and Carbon are now fighting for survival, which means the next time these two teams meet it will be known that the loser leaves.

UPDATE:
The event has concluded and we have seen the epitome of all upsets. Team Str8 Rippin has come back from the bottom of the top 8 to defeat none other than number one seed Final Boss in 6 maps to 2. An astonishing event with some amazing upsets, we are still shocked to see Final Boss break down like they did today.



Now, Str8 Ripping will be heading into Vegas.