Cebuano rookie Louis Gabriel “Louis” Ariola delivered a solid performance all series long to propel Smart Omega to a 2-1 repeat win over RSG Slate Philippines in Week 6 of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 11 on Friday.
With the win, Omega inched closer to the top half of the standings, improving to 4-6 with 13pts.
According to assistant coach Patrick “E2max” Caidic, they focused on boosting their players for Game 3 after RSG dominated them in Game 2.
“Siguro sa draft na lang. Kasi parang pakiramdam namin nun eh ang Lance(lot) talaga di na nila ibibigay sa’min eh. So medyo expected sila sa part na yan. So nag-open kami ng iba’t ibang opportunities para may magandang balik sa’min,” he said when asked about the adjustments they made after RSG forced the rubber match.
“Tsaka sa gameplay naman, binoost lang namin ang confidence nila. Simula kay Raizen na yung Game 2, alam naman natin na tinatalo siya ni H2 sa retri. Pero nakita naman natin sa Game 3 yung bawi niya,” he added.
In Game 1, Duane “Kelra” Pillas (Beatrix) went off starting with a double kill during the 9th-minute lord dance that gave Omega control of the match.
The gold standard once again displayed his superb mechanical prowess as he weaved his way through a messy 14th-minute fight. There, he tanked two ultimates from enemy heroes while escaping with a sliver of health, before capping off with a game-winning triple kill, 1-0.
Game 2 saw John Paul “H2wo” Salonga (Lancelot) secure all the turtle buffs to give RSG early-game control.
Dexter “Exort” Martinez (Kadita) also positioned himself accurately in multiple team fights that did not give Omega any opening to force the decider.
In Game 3, Omega flexed their might early on with Louis (Arlott) taking three kills after the 2nd-minute turtle fight for a 3-1-1 KDA.
They did not look back from there as Louis’ Final Slash in the 14th minute led to a pick-off on two enemy heroes that gave them enough space to complete the win.
