The lights dimmed once again for Aurora Gaming—this time against familiar faces and a rookie stepping up.
Newcomer Tracy “Tracyy” Damasco delivered in his debut as Twisted Minds PH secured a crucial win over Aurora Gaming to close Week 6 Day 2 of MPL Philippines Season 17.
The rookie roamer made an immediate impact after Coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza subbed him in for John Carlo “Caloy” Roma following a Game 1 loss.
Aurora opened the series strong, with Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap leading the charge on Thamuz with four kills and five assists. The EXP laner peaked in the 12th minute, picking up a triple kill under Twisted Minds’ mid turret to secure an easy Lord take.
However, the substitution turned the tide. In Game 2, Tracyy’s Khaleed unleashed a massive Raging Sandstorm onto four Aurora players, setting up a clean wipe as Twisted Minds forced a decider. He finished with a 2/1/10 KDA.
Twisted Minds closed out the series in Game 3 after 16 minutes, with Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara posting a flawless 3/0/10 on Zhuxin. Despite Aurora finding moments of control, Twisted Minds committed to a decisive team fight even after losing the Lord.
Mico “Nosia” Capil’s Claude delivered a perfectly timed Blazing Duet, shredding Aurora’s lineup as Twisted Minds secured a full wipe and the series win.
Twisted Minds improved to 4-7, snapping a three-match losing streak, while Aurora fell to 3-7 with their third straight loss.
Elsewhere, Team Falcons PH ended Team Liquid PH’s nine-match win streak with a 2-1 victory. The Cavalry struck first behind Alston “Sanji” Pabico’s flawless 6/0/11 Yve performance in 14 minutes.
Falcons responded in Game 2 with a Guinevere-Kalea combo from Michael “Kyle” Sayson and Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo. Kyle then sealed the series with an 8/0/2 Suyou masterclass in Game 3.
The win saw Team Falcons secure their own playoff spot, joining the Cavalry, with five matches left to play.
Smart Omega also extended their surge, securing a fourth straight win against TNC Pro Team. Carl Edriel “Minguin” Gallantes led Game 1 on Zhuxin, while Dean “Raizen” Sumagui followed up with a clean 6/0/9 Harley performance in Game 2.
Team Liquid PH (9-1) will look to bounce back against AP.Bren (3-6) to open Sunday’s doubleheader. Meanwhile, Team Falcons PH (8-1) aim to extend their streak as they capitalize on Aurora Gaming’s struggles.
