? Velocity continues their early game competence but falters off late, while TSM and Vulcun show steady improvements from recent performances.   ?

C9 vs. VES

The game started fantastic for Velocity against their polar opposites in the rankings.  They were able to get first blood, keep Meteos defending turrets, and pressuring the turrets to get results.  Eventually, the game would turn out of control though.  Velocity were in a defensive position despite having an advantage throughout the majority of the early game.  It wouldn't take long before Cloud 9 had full control and were outright stomping Velocity in a position that they shouldn't be in.  While Velocity seems to have a decent early game against even the strongest of teams, it would appear they are faltering when it comes to brute strength in transitioning periods.

DIG vs. TSM

The most interesting thing in the drafting phase this game was TSM's Master Yi ban against Scarra, a very unusual ban for competitive play. TSM's Reginald would be the first to be fall his victim of Kiwikid top with the help of Dyrus, continuing the general schema of Kiwi dying early.  The battles were back and forth and very hectic for both teams.  TSM was able to seize more territorial advantage by taking towers and Dignitas was winning skirmishes.  However, towards the end of the game, Dignitas seemed very hesitant to take action and often let TSM get a way with a little too much.  TSM used this ability and their aggressive playstyle to help close the game out against Dignitas and securing yet another win against the team.

CST vs. VUL

Coast versus Vulcun is always a match that generally ends up close due to the nature of both teams residing as underdogs for a great portion of the first split as well as beforehand and then becoming NA powerhouses consistently in the top 4.  The early game was a toss up with unpredictable results for a majority of the time.  Battles were kept close and lanes were doing fairly evenly -- everywhere except for top lane that is.  ZionSpartan's performance left a lot to be desired and Sycho Sid has been showing his constant unappreciated approvement as one of North America's very best top laners.  

Team Coast crushed under the weight of Vulcun who had an extremely fed and attentative Shen.  An overaggressive attempt at engaging baron would drop the match from even to much worse.  Team Coast crumbled under the lost teamfight and eventually fell way behind, leaving Vulcun the decisive victor for the matchup. 

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