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| Smart Omega got the better of Twisted Minds PH in their season series, but the former needs to do more to steal the last playoff spot. MPL Philippines (file photo) |
MANILA--With AP Bren already eliminated from contention on Sunday night, only Smart Omega remains as the thorn in Twisted Minds Philippines' pursuit to lock the last playoff spot in MPL Philippines Season 15.
While Twisted Minds PH still has much control of its postseason fate, Week 8 is actually its bye week; that is, the team is down to only one opponent left for the regular season--and a tough one at that in Onic Philippines.
Smart Omega, on the other hand, still has two matches at hand, including one against also-ran AP Bren, but the team also has Onic PH as its last assignment.
Interestingly enough, Smart Omega will play both AP Bren and Onic PH on Friday and Saturday, respectively, while Twisted Minds PH will only get to face Onic PH on Sunday night.
This means either Smart Omega puts much pressure on Twisted Minds PH or the latter gets to clinch the last playoff spot without a sweat.
With that said, how can Smart Omega put a lot of pressure on Twisted Minds PH and possibly steal the sixth seed away?
This is the only way: sweep Week 8 and hope Onic PH beats Twisted Minds PH.
The only means for Smart Omega to clinch the last playoff spot is if it overtakes Twisted Minds PH in the team standings.
Smart Omega cannot afford to settle for a tie with Twisted Minds PH, regardless of whether AP Bren also ends up in the logjam or not, because Twisted Minds PH holds the tiebreaker due to net game win difference.
This also effectively means that either a Twisted Minds PH win or a Smart Omega loss will give the former the sixth seed.
Take note that AP Bren stunned Smart Omega in their first meeting for its lone win so far this season, so AP Bren could be the spoiler from out of nowhere for Smart Omega, especially that it is expected to play nothing-to-lose esports this weekend.
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