ECHO moved closer to securing an outright upper bracket berth after clinching a 2-1 victory over TNC Pro team in the penultimate week of the MPL Philippines Season 13 on Friday at the Shooting Gallery Studios.
The Orcas now boast 25 points, courtesy of an 8-3 win-loss record. ONIC, with the same record, currently holds third place with 24 points.
While ECHO dominated in two games, they admitted to having the wrong approach in Game 2, leading to TNC’s victory.
“Ang pinakanaging factor dun yung Masha pick nila. Mahirap din kasi lumabas yung heroes namin like yung kay Sanji. Siya lagi yung punterya so di siya nakakapagdeal ng ganung damage,” said ECHO head coach Archie “Tictac” Reyes on why they had a hard time in Game 2.
In Game 1, ECHO led from start to finish, with Jaypee “Jaypee” Cruz (Kaja) leading the way and earning the MVP with a flawless 3-0-12 KDA.
Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno (Barats) and Frederic “Bennyqt” Gonzales (Roger) also contributed to the win with 5-1-9 and 5-1-8 KDAs, respectively, as ECHO dominated with an 18-3 kill score.
In Game 2, Dean “Raizen” Sumagui (Fredrinn) took charge, achieving a 100% kill participation, finishing with a 4-2-12 KDA, and earning the game MVP citation to help TNC force a decider.
Game 3 saw a complete turnaround as ECHO easily cruised to an 11-minute victory to secure the win.
“Binalik namin yung draft composition namin. Yun lang yung inadjust namin,” said Tictac of their victory.
TNC (1-10) needs to sweep their last three matches while hoping that Blacklist International loses all four of their remaining assignments via sweep to have a shot at the last ticket to the playoffs.
ECHO will next face MINANA Evos on Saturday, April 27.