Smart Omega’s hopes to get an upset and extend the series were denied with miscalculation in the last clash against ECHO in MPL-PH Season 13.
Commendable effort, but it wasn't enough.
Smart Omega displayed noticeable improvements in MPL Philippines Season 13, but ECHO came out stronger under pressure on Friday.
In the 15-minute mark of Game 2, the lord charged along ECHO's bottom lane. Smart Omega was determined to tie the series and locked on to the base.
But, Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno’s Nolan helped the Orcas swiftly clear the waves and eliminate the members of Barangay Omega, leading to a maniac moment.
Sheeesh.
Smart Omega admitted their push fell through with the lack of a marksman, with a draft consisting of Arlott, Fredrinn, Phoevus, Harith, and Chip.
Gold laner Jomari "Jowm" Pingol’s Harith in the gold lane said he had a tough time penetrating through the crowd-control centric lineup of ECHO.
Andrew Lew “Andoryuuu” Flora explained Barangay Omega’s thought process during the final moments of Game 2 that led to a disaster.
“Siguro ‘yung shotcall lang dun, ika-clash namin sila sa mismong base. Kaso nga lang, hindi namin na timer-an yung game, kaya nalugi kami sa clash na ‘yun,” Andoryuuu said.
“Wala kasing damage ‘yung lord nila so akala nila or expected nila pwede nila tapusin 'yung game. Kaso 'yung timer kasi nung wave ng ECHO lumabas, sakto. Parang ‘dun na nagkaroon ng dalawang option na gawin ng team, it’s either i-end or i-clash,” Coach Ronel “Stronger” Tan reflected.
“Hindi naman nila kailangan magmadali, kasi hawak na namin yung mapa,” Stronger added in hindsight.
Meanwhile, ECHO’s Coach Harold "Tictac" Reyes thought that the Orcas' experience under pressure gave them an edge against the Barangay Omega.
“Siguro ‘dun sa Game 2, ang naging edge lang is yung mental fortitude,” Coach Tictac said.
“Call po namin ‘yun na medyo mahina sila bumasag ng tower,” Frederic "Bennyqt" Gonzales said, taking the last-minute risk.
The series sweep allowed ECHO to strengthen its hold on the number three spot with a 6-3 record. Meanwhile, Smart Omega remains in seventh place with 1-8.