Aurora a threat in the S15 playoffs? Week 7 strongly suggests yes

AURORA GAMING stormed back to the top of the standings with an impressive 11-1 win-loss record after defeating Smart Omega and TNC Pro Team in Week 7 of the MPL Philippines Season 15, inching closer to securing an upper bracket slot in the playoffs.

The end of the regular season is fast approaching, but Aurora Gaming remained locked in and refused to show any signs of slowing down.

MPL fans were in for another treat of an action-packed week, and let’s take a look back at how Aurora Gaming rallied back to the top.

Sorry “Omega Timers”

Aurora Gaming defeated Smart Omega in style with a decisive 2-0 sweep, neutralizing any late-game magic threats from Barangay’s signature “Omega Timers.”

Aurora Gaming set the tone in the opener, dismantling Smart Omega with a lopsided 11-3 kill score through calculated aggression and control of crucial objectives.

Smart Omega held their ground in hopes to turn around the momentum, but the relentless pressure that Aurora Gaming brought was too much to handle.

Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap’s debut Esmaralda pick for the season earned him the MVP badge with a 0-1-8 KDA.

PHOTO: MPL Philippines

Aurora similarly gained an early game advantage in game two, but Smart Omega hesitated to back down easily with sturdy defense during a 14-minute base siege.

Creating some space to breathe, Smart Omega managed to slightly reduce the gold lead and positioned themselves for a crucial lord objective at the 16-minute mark.

But Aurora sealed the deal all after eliminating four members of the Omega squad in the lord pit.

Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse showcased his mastery on Chou, leading the team with a 2-1-8 KDA.

PHOTO: MPL Philippines

Seizing the top seed

Aurora Gaming took down TNC Pro Team with a hard-fought 2-1 victory to reassert their dominance at the top of the Season 15 standings.

Renejay’s playstyle on Kalea set the tempo for Aurora, pulling off hero pickoffs and punishing TNC’s missteps.

Despite trailing behind on the scoreboard, TNC demonstrated their resilience through a clutch Lord steal at the 8-minute mark.

Jan Dominic “Domengkite” Del Mundo was unstoppable on Moskov as he spearheaded Aurora’s series opener victory with a flawless 7-0-8 KDA and 94% kill participation.

PHOTO: MPL Philippines

TNC Pro Team flipped the script in game two, bouncing back with a lopsided 25-7 kill score to tie the series at 1-1 against Aurora Gaming.

Star roamer Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera on Badang made his presence felt with a stellar 2-0-18 KDA.

Aurora and the TNC Pro Team fought neck-and-neck in game three, but it was Aurora’s risky plays that made the significant difference.

Edward on Esmeralda showcased impeccable timing with an off-screen lord take at 11 minutes, while Yue blasted through with Yve’s Real World Manipulation to secure another crucial objective.

Edward delivered when it mattered most, steering Aurora to victory with a 2-1-5 KDA.

PHOTO: MPL Philippines

Aurora will return to the battlefield for a rematch with powerhouse squads Team Liquid Philippines and Team Falcons in Week 8, continuing their fight for the coveted upper bracket advantage.

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