By: Jerod Orcullo
Six weeks into MPL Philippines Season 15, Smart Omega continues to fight for a playoff spot, currently holding a 2-9 record — a stark contrast from their performance at the same point just one season ago.
Back in Season 14, the Barangay had already locked in a playoff berth by Week 6, eventually finishing the elimination round with a 9-5 record as the third seed.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Omega head coach Lemuel “Lembot” Lucban acknowledged that the team has had trouble carrying over the intensity they show during scrimmages into official matches.
(C) MPL PH
“Kailangan lang namin yung same energy na ginawa namin kanina sa stage kasi nagagawa naman talaga namin sa scrim ‘yan, kumbaga ma-translate na lang talaga namin yung energy katulad kanina,” Lembot said.
“Kahit sinong kalaban namin, confident ako na kaya namin pag ganun yung laro namin.”
Another noticeable change this season is the absence of veteran roamer Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog from the starting five. Since Week 2, Czedrick “Super Yoshi” Romero has taken his place, helping the team secure their only two wins of the season — both against Twisted Minds.
When asked about the possibility of Ch4knu returning to the lineup, Lembot shared:
“Possible ito na yung lineup namin hanggang matapos yung season na ‘to kasi mahirap din yung nagpapalit-palit eh… Pero tignan natin, malaki yung chance na ito na talaga.”
(C) MPL PH
With a new patch shaking up the meta just days before Week 7, Lembot emphasized the importance of adapting quickly, especially with crucial matches against Aurora Philippines and ONIC Philippines still to come.
“Para sa’kin yung ML ngayon sobrang magulo na, kumbaga bumabalik yung mga dating hero na nawala, tsaka marami talagang hero na namatay na sa meta tapos bumabalik ngayon,” he said.
“So pabilisan mag-adjust ‘to, ayun yung nakikita kong ano sa meta. Kung sino yung mas mabilis mag-adjust, siya yung mag-champion.”
