Smart Omega eliminated TNC Pro Team from playoff contention after pulling off a 2-0 sweep in the penultimate week of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 12 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City on Sunday.
With the win, Omega is now in a tie for the fifth spot in the standings with Onic Philippines. Both teams currently have 5-6 records and 15 points.
Omega head coach Ronel “Stronger” Tan attributed their win to TNC’s inexperience in the late game which has hounded their rivals throughout the season.
“Ineexpect namin sila na mas maging aggressive nung Game 1 kasi sila yung may hawak ng lead eh. Nagkataon lang na yun din yung struggle ng team nila ever since nagstart yung season,” explained Stronger on how they clawed their way back in Game 1. “Malakas sila sa early, pagdating sa late game parang naghehesitate sila. Yun yung minaximize namin para macomeback yung game.
“Sila yung naglaglag samin sa lower bracket ng Juicy Legends Tournament bago yung Season 12. Parang pagdating ng stage or sa major tournament, ewan ko kung kaba ba pero nag-iiba yung laro nila. Hindi na sila yung TNC na talagang dominating nung off-season.”
The comeback win in Game 1 was reminiscent of their comeback win against the Phoenix Army during their previous encounter this season.
TNC looked prime for an opening win after taking down all enemy inhibitor turrets and establishing an 11k net worth lead but Duane “Kelra” Pillas (Bruno) carried Omega’s fightback with multiple outplays.
He finished with a perfect 6-0-1 KDA in the 32-minute comeback victory. Kelra’s brilliance was in full display during 14th minute defense where he weaved his way to two kills while fending off TNC’s base turret siege.
With momentum on their side, Omega imposed their will early in Game 2 and pulled the stop in the late game to complete the sweep.
Kelra (Wanwan) and Patrick “E2max” Caidic (Novaria) both notched double kills in the 21st minute that finally ended TNC’s playoff hopes.
It was TNC’s ninth straight loss and their 10th in eleven matches. They sit eighth with only six points so far.
