OGN Match Preview - KT Bullets vs Najin Black Sword - Najin White Shield vs CJ Blaze

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KT Bullets vs Najin Black Sword

After sweeping the Intel Extreme Masters World Championship, the Bullets looked to send a message in the first match of the season - the only message they sent was one of inconsistency.

In game one, KTB controlled their objectives with ease, denying Samsung Blue a single tower. Score also played a great game on Lucian, ending with 12/1/4.

In game two, Blue was able to overcome a 5k gold deficit and take the game through well-controlled teamfights. It’s safe to say that KTB is still working out the kinks associated with moving inSec back to the jungle, but it’s obvious that it’s the change KTB needed. inSec’s home is in the jungle, and Leopard is able to consistently win lane or go even - something inSwec struggled with in the past. They have yet to prove their worthiness of of a playoff spot versus Korean team, and could do so tonight.

PraY showed that when you’re good enough on a certain champion, the meta doesn't matter. His Twitch play versus the Jin Air Flacons was immaculate, ending with a score of 5/0/2. Although Najin secured the victory in game two, Jin Air put up a solid fight. Falcons secured Baron control throughout the mid-game, but a 2:4 teamfight at the 22-minute mark put the momentum in Najin’s favor. In both games, Nagne was a powerful force on Lulu. PraY also showed he can fit the meta when the time calls, racking up a score of 8/3/9 on Sivir.

I’d be getting ahead of myself if I implied that this match will translate into strong results versus the Bullets - the Falcons are a historically weaker team and have already been knocked out of Group C. Black Sword still has the chance to put themselves in a good spot to make it past group stage, something they failed to do last season.

My Prediction: KT Bullets 2:0 Najin Black Sword

The Bullets outclass Najin is just about every role, and seem to be making steady improvements since the roster change.

Najin White Shield vs CJ Blaze

Najin White sword went 2:0 in their first match versus Xenics Storm, but it wasn’t easy. Game one went their way thanks to Ggoong’s precise Nidalee spears. In game two, Xenics Storm had control of the game from the start. Ohq was up two kills in the bot lane at had the gold lead at the 10-minute mark. Najin edged closer in the next 10 minutes, but it remained anybody’s game. Both teams continued to pass a few thousand gold lead to each other for the next 50 minutes. Eventually, White Shield was able to turn a teamfight and end the game at the 70-minute mark. Struggling this hard against a weak team doesn't bode well for White Shield in future matches.

While some are saying a recent loss to LG IM #1 in Masters is a cause for concern, Blaze really doesn't have much to worry about versus Najin White Shield. Their recent games have been shaky, but the experienced players on this team will pull out a strong performance when it matters. I expect Flame to demolish Save in the top lane. From there, Daydream will most likely control the teamfights on a jungler like Kha Zix. Winning this match in a 2:0 would secure Blaze a well-deserved spot in the playoffs.

My Prediction: CJ Blaze 2:0 Najin White Shield

Again in this match, Blaze simply has a better roster lane for lane and should take the victory without too much struggle.

Image Credit: Cloth5, GosuGamers, Riot Games, OnGameNet