AP.Bren snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Smart Omega in Week 5 of the MPL Philippines Season 16 on Saturday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
The Season 12 champions improved their record to 3-5, closing the gap on TNC Pro Team (3-5) and Smart Omega (3-6), who currently occupy fifth and sixth place, respectively.
Although happy with the win, coach Jeffrey “Jeff” Manforte lamented his team’s poor execution that led to their early game struggles.
“Magulo eh. Grateful kami na nanalo kami pero magulo yung execution namin. Marami kasing time na kaya namin i-close nang 2-0 yung game eh, pero kung mapapansin niyo, nung unang pagtatapat namin (ng Omega) ganun din kagulo yung laban. Parang history repeats lang talaga para sa kanila,” explained coach Jeff adding how the series went similarly during their first encounter this season.
In Game 1, AP.Bren overcame a significant early deficit, sparked by Denniel “xNova” Gomez’s (Grock) Tectonic Charge during the 20th-minute base turret defense. The play allowed AP.Bren to score a 2-for-1 trade and equalize the game’s economy.
Arvie “Aqua” Calderon (Kimmy) then took over during a prolonged skirmish in the 24th minute, securing a double kill and leading a successful base turret siege to give AP.Bren a 1-0 lead.
Game 2 seemed headed for a sweep as AP.Bren dominated early, but Dean “Raizen” Sumagui (Fanny) turned the tide for Smart Omega with a clever split push midway through the 15th minute, forcing a decisive Game 3.
In the final game, AP.Bren once again recovered from an early deficit sparked by Jhon “LordJM” Sebastian’s (Esmeralda) lord steal during the 14th minute.
Aqua (Kimmy) then exploded for a triple kill late in the 16th minute as AP.Bren took control for good.
