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Maharishi International University
MIU Esports Secures 2–1 Series Victory Over Arkansas Tech in NECC Week Three Battle
February 21, 2026

MIU Esports Secures 2–1 Series Victory Over Arkansas Tech in NECC Week Three Battle

The Maharishi International University Pioneers earned a hard-fought 2–1 series victory over Arkansas Tech University (ATU Green) on February 19 at 8:00 p.m. in week three of the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) Division 5 League of Legends competition. Across three high-intensity games, MIU demonstrated adaptability, strategic awareness, and composure under pressure to remain undefeated in conference play.

Game One

MIU (Blue Side)
Picks: Sivir (Aaron Ellis), Braum (Skylar Allen), Wukong (Cole Kerrigan), Ornn (Aaron Painter), Azir (Christopher Revolinski)
ATU Green Picks: Amumu, Miss Fortune, Sona, Ziggs, Sett

MIU wasted no time setting the tone. Cole secured first blood on Wukong, giving the Pioneers early momentum. At approximately the six-minute mark, MIU claimed the first dragon, establishing early objective control.

ATU answered with a dragon of their own around 12 minutes, but MIU maintained pressure across the map. By the 17-minute mark, the Pioneers had built a commanding 12–5 kill advantage through coordinated engages and strong team fighting.

Midway through the game, ATU's MOVS3 became a growing threat that proved difficult to reach in fights. Through collaborative problem-solving and disciplined positioning, MIU adjusted their approach, found the key pick, and regained control.

Behind standout performances from Aaron on Ornn and Bobby on Azir, the Pioneers closed out Game One with disciplined team fighting and objective control.

Final Score: MIU 27, ATU Green 17
MIU Wins Game One

Game Two

MIU (Blue Side)
Picks: Corki (Aaron Ellis), Diana (Christopher Revolinski), Volibear (Cole Kerrigan), Shaco (Skylar Allen), Aatrox (Aaron Painter)
ATU Green Picks: Sejuani, Vex, Samira, Thresh, K'Sante

With a 1–0 lead in the series, MIU opted for a high-risk, double-edged strategy in Game Two. Choosing to mirror ATU's melee-heavy approach.

Both teams prepared for an early heavy battle, but ATU gained the upper hand. By the 25-minute mark, ATU Green led 14–4 in kills and had secured three dragons to MIU's one.

ATU's LofaBread proved dominant on Samira, turning team fights decisively in ATU's favor. What was intended as a calculated challenge became a difficult uphill battle for the Pioneers.

ATU capitalized on their momentum and closed the game without allowing a comeback window.

Final Score: ATU Green 27, MIU 7
ATU Wins Game Two

Game Three

MIU (Red Side)
Picks: Rek'Sai (Cole Kerrigan), Brand (Christopher Revolinski), Xayah (Aaron Ellis), Nautilus (Skylar Allen), Dr. Mundo (Aaron Painter)
ATU Green Picks: Lissandra, Tristana, Jarvan, Shen, Swain

With the series tied 1–1, MIU held side selection for the first time and chose red side, looking to leverage draft advantage in the decisive match.

ATU secured first blood early, but the draft phase revealed a subtle opportunity. Notably, ATU neglected to select any champions with percent-based damage, a weakness quickly identified by Coach Enlow. After consultation, MIU locked in Dr. Mundo for Aaron in the top lane to exploit the gap.

As the game progressed, Aaron began stacking Heartsteel at an extraordinary rate. By postgame, he had accumulated well over 1,000 stacks, transforming Mundo into an unkillable frontline force.

With Aaron leading the charge and the team rallying behind coordinated engages and disciplined objective play, MIU overwhelmed ATU in the late stages. The Pioneers secured the decisive victory in a back-and-forth battle.

Final Score: MIU 28, ATU Green 25
MIU Wins Game Three

Series Summary

In a competitive three-game set, MIU displayed resilience and strategic growth. After a dominant Game One, a humbling Game Two, and a tactically sharp Game Three adjustment, the Pioneers secured the 2–1 series win.

The victory keeps MIU undefeated in NECC Division 5 play and highlights the team's ability to adapt mid-series, both in draft strategy and in-game execution.

Series Result: MIU 2, ATU Green 1

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