DRX vs Talon: DRX tie the series; take it to Icebox

The second match of the day will see DRX take on Talon esports in the VCT LOCK//IN quarterfinals. The battle between the two Asia-Pacific teams will be crucial as traditionally DRX has always been the overwhelming favorite. But Talon esports has surprised everyone with their preparation, their communication, and excellent retakes. Here's all we need to know about the DRX vs Talon match at VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paolo

The Thai team came into the tournament with low expectations, but they are not one to let opponents walk over them. With experienced players and a roster stacked with firepower, Talon esports is not a name that others can take lightly. 

DRX started off with a very methodical approach to the B Bombsite. With Viper wall and Fade's ability, they had complete control and knowledge of Talon's performance throughout the bombsite.

After getting two quick rounds, DRX were met with Talon with a full buy. The fourth round in particular was saw individuals on both sides step up to the occasion. An unprecedented aggression by Talon esports was stopped in its tracks by Mako. But when DRX pushed into the A B bombsite, they were met with yet another wall - Sushiboys. Despite having multiple utility used at his position, Sushiboys was able to take the fight to the South Koreans and send them packing. He had help from his teammate, but his position was of utmost importance. If Sushiboys had fallen initially, it would have resulted in an open bombsite.

DRX are known as the master of strats, but when faced off against the ultra-aggressive Talon esports playstyle, they faltered. Sushiboys and co. were always moving forward and pushing through smokes and utilities to take the fight to DRX. And for the most part, it worked.

DRX won the pistol round on the second half again and followed it up with quite a few more rounds. But Talon continued to play unorthodox gaining map control. Talon pivoted to multiple fakes making DRX wary of a potential fake everytime. However, DRX adapted to Talon very well stringing together quite a few rounds.

But Talon's lead through the mid-game was more than enough to push them through over to the win. Talon won the first map and it was one of the biggest upsets one could've predicted so far at the tournament.

But Fracture was Talon's map pick. The second map was Ascent and it is a map that is often considered to be DRX's home ground. Talon won the pistol and quickly followed it up with another round win. But once teams started buying full,

And then Talon changed their gameplan. They pushed, pushed into the attacking spawn with Crws Omen. The team's aggression was not without synergy, however. As Omen walked up behind them, he was constantly giving out information to his teammates. As soon as his teammates were in position, they coordinated their abilities to take down the DRX members from all sides.

But in the second half, DRX were able to counter Talon's offense with their own systemic approach to the bombsite. WIth adequate usage of utility and being able to control and funnel the Talon esports guy, DRX's performance was more than enough to grant them a 5 round lead after a relatively even 6-6 half. It was a clinical performance by DRX and they won 6 rounds in a row on their defensive half.

DRX had already warmed up to Talon's aggression by now. They were more than okay with giving up control to Talon and then working on the game at their own pace. BuZz in particular was extremely confident pushing through smokes when he felt he had an advantage. Despite a 7-5 half, it felt like DRX were completely in control throughout the map.

There were multiple moments in the second half when DRX was able to get a full defuse while the teamfight was going on. Suddenly, the lack of aggression on Talon's part played into DRX's hands.

Ultimately, DRX weer able to close out the map and secure the victory 2-1. They will now play after nearly two weeks when the Omega bracket teams are decided.

The DRX vs Talon match will be broadcast live on Twitch. You can catch up with it in our embedded stream below.

The winner of this match will go on to face the winner of the LOUD/NRG match. However, teams will have a break of a few days before their next match which should help them recuperate themselves and get some much-needed rest. Talon goes out in the 5-8th place with a very impressive performance to their name.

The VCT LOCK//IN Sao Paolo will resume on February 22 with the OMEGA bracket.

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