Week 6 (10/6/2013) - ns2_nsl_jambi, ns2_nsl_tram
Key for Team Records:
1st set of Numbers: wins, losses, and draws (W-L-D)
2nd set of Numbers: rounds for, rounds against (RF-RA)
Key for Miscellaneous:
The second ranking number in parentheses is the team's preseason ranking.
*MOTW indicates the Match of the Week for that Division.
Note: These predictions assume a) optimal rosters, and b) the matches are actually being played, and not forfeited. All ranks are division-specific, and not overall seeds (that is, inter-divisional ranks).
NSL Premiere Division
#8 Breakfast Klub withdraws/disbands.
Roster Changes ~ #4 Damage Networks: +criogenics, +inzo, +schu
Bye Week: #1 Titus (> #8 Breakfast Klub 4-0, Forfeit)
#3 (▼ #2 / #1) Legendary Snails (2-1-2, 9-3) vs.#4 (▲ #6 / #7) Quaxy (2-1-2, 9-7)
In the preseason, I don't think anyone circled this match on their NS2 nerd-calendar. But this match carries with it massive post-season implications. Both teams are 2-1 with 9 RF each—they're essentially tied for 3rd place. Meanwhile, lurking in the shadows is #5 Team X, who are only 2 rounds behind 4th place. These last two weeks are going to be exciting, especially for the Premiere Division, because everything is on the line. And it all starts right here with The Frenchmen vs. The Finns.
Between the #2 team (Saunamen) and the #5 team (Team X), there is a total of four rounds separating them. So if they ended up losing this match, Legendary Snails could conceivably be leapfrogged by two teams, dropping all the way to #5 and falling out of the Premiere playoffs. Now, I don't see this happening, and I highly doubt anyone else really does, but the thing is, Quaxy have done nothing but beat the odds this entire season. To give some perspective, Quaxy were initially a Division 1 team, but were moved up last-minute (literally) to the Premiere Division, while duplex (RIP) were moved down. So far, Quaxy have made that decision look rather prudent, but now they've got their biggest challenge ahead of them with this match against an NS2 juggernaut.
As dominant as the Snails are, however, they haven't been flawless by any means. For starters, they've lost outright to Saunamen. They also recently dropped a round to Titus (and they could very easily have dropped two rounds, too). The question is: can Quaxy exploit these chinks in the armor? They clearly have the potential to do so.
Quaxy will put up a valiant fight, albeit in a losing effort, and Legendary Snails, hot off a win over Titus, will help to secure a Top 4 finish.
Prediction: #3 Legendary Snails > #4 Quaxy, 3-1 (2-0 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: DAAMZ & eagleye (Snails), malga & mulk (Quaxy)
Result: #3 Legendary Snails > #4 Quaxy, 4-0 (Horseshoes & Handgrenades!)
*MOTW: #2 (▲ #3 / #2) Saunamen (3-1-1, 11-5) vs. #6 (▼ #5 / #3 ) Damage Networks (1-1-2, 5-3)
Despite these current predictions listing Snails as #3 and Saunamen as #2, they've actually switched spots for now, as The Snails' 3-1 victory over Titus has given them 12 RF compared to Saunamen's 11 RF. A marginal amount to be sure, but The Saunamen need to make sure they stay on top of their game, because Team X could very likely make moves and steal a playoff spot—which means one of the current Top 4 will have to go. Quaxy would appear to be the most vulnerable, but Saunamen are not exempt from that conversation. Do keep in mind, however, 4 of Saunamen's 5 RA come from an 0-4 forfeit loss to Titus, which still may be replayed, giving them even more of an opportunity to pad their RF.
Damage Networks, meanwhile have had a rocky past few weeks after losing their commander, Ossified. Their roster was in a state of flux, and thinks seemed bleak—but the unfortunate breakup of Breakfast Klub has been a boon for Damage Networks. Not only have they found their commander replacement in criogenics (that's the player's name, not some weird low-temperature science project to create the ultimate NS2 comm), but they've also bolstered an already-stacked field team by adding sharpshooters inzo and schu (both ex-Breakfast Klub). The addition of these two players could give Networks that extra little something they needed to make one final push for that #4 spot in the playoffs, and it could not have come at a better time. The last remaining opponents for Networks: #7 Exertus, #5 Team X, #2 Saunamen, and #1 Titus. By no stretch an easy schedule, so they'll need all the help they can get.
The North American pride in me wants to give Damage Networks a round here (and I would not be surprised if they did get a round!). They have the individual skill to tie and even beat any of the current top 4 teams (jewbear, ADHD, Colt, Boom... now add inzo and schu to that list. SRSLY guise, comeon), but there always seems to be something that undoes them in crunch time. Unfortunately, that will be the case here as Saunamen take this.
Prediction: #2 Saunamen > #6 Damage Networks, 4-0
Top Performers: Hopsu & Tane (Saunamen), inzo & ADHD (Networks)
Result: #2 Saunamen > #6 Damage Networks, 4-0 (BOOYA!)
#5 (▼ #4 / #6) Team X (2-0-2, 7-1) vs. #7 (▲ #8 / #8) Exertus (1-3-0, 4-12)
I think that Team X are the dark horse this season. As strange as it might seem to call a team as talented as they are a 'dark horse,' they did display some early signs of rust. But I think we all knew it was only a matter of time before they got back into the groove of things. And what's more, after UWE's recent announcement in support of the upcoming NS2 World Championships, Team X (as Goðar?) have found a new vitality and a new purpose as a team. They've refocused and doubled their efforts. I watched them PCW/scrim against Titus for a few hours, even sporting old-faithful Grissi in their lineup. While he may not be official on their NSL roster, it just shows that Team X are serious, and they are all in for this. It is absolutely clear, now, that anything less than the title of "NSL Season 3 Premiere Division Champions" would be a failure in Team X's eyes.
Unfortunately, Exertus find themselves in the way this week. I think it goes without saying that Exertus simply have been disappointing so far this season. At one point considered Archaea's rival—the only team that could even take a round off of them—they're struggling to just win a round at all this season (their 4 RF are from the 4-0 forfeit win against Breakfast Klub). I don't want to give up on Exertus, but unlike their Finnish brothers in Quaxy, they haven't showed many signs of improvement.
Team X will take this and make their push for the playoffs.
Prediction: #5 Team X > #7 Exertus, 4-0
Top Performers: Mendasp & Eissfeldt (Team X), nadyli & wiry (Exertus)
Result: #5 Team X > #7 Exertus, 4-0 (Exertus disbands :( But BOOYA!)
NSL Division 1
#5 nuReign.K changes team name to BlueBabblerSquad.
Roster Changes ~ #1 priori: —bLink // #5 BlueBabberSquad: +catcatdo
Bye Week: #4 Singularity (> duplex 4-0, Forfeit), #6 hard.day! (> SnX 4-0, Forfeit)
*MOTW: #1 ( ▬ / #5) priori (5-1-1, 19-5) vs. #3 (▲ #4 / #4) RadicaL (4-0-0, 14-2)
This is a huge match for Division 1. priori have looked on-point all season long, but the horizon isn't looking as promising as it did at the outset. Locklear's sudden departure from Titus left their roster a little thinner than normal, which has led to blink's departure from priori and rejoining his old mates in Titus. Couple this with the seeming lack of interest in NS2 as of late, and priori are looking more vulnerable than they have ever been.
And this couldn't have come at a worse time because next on their docket is RadicaL: one of the stronger teams in Division 1. And what's more, RadicaL have just (literally hours before this writing) 4-0'd the artists formerly known as nuReign (totally didn't see that one coming). With nuReign having 3-1'd priori just a week ago, the prognosis isn't looking too good for the North Americans as they may very well be going into a buzzsaw here.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and call a huge RadicaL victory here. A 4-0 wouldn't surprise me, but I still think priori is too talented for a sweep and will take a round.
Prediction: #3 RadicaL > #1 priori, 3-1 (1-1 Jambi, 2-0 Tram)
Top Performers: Qmotion & fleX (RadicaL), shades [with a Z] & SweetieBot (priori)
Result: #1 priori = #3 RadicaL, 2-2 (Ahh! I finally pick RadicaL and then I'm wrong!)
#2 ( ▬ #? / #2) vetus (3-3-1, 15-9) vs. #5 ( ▬ / #7) BlueBabblerSquad (3-0-1, 11-1)
vetus seem to have had a hard time competing with the top tier Division 1 teams, with 1-3 losses each to priori, Singularity, and RadicaL. The last team left for them to face is nuReign, now known as BlueBabblerSquad, and if history bears any indication of the future, vetus' future isn't looking very good.
This match is important for the Koreans because they're still on the playoff bubble. A dominant win here would surely cement them in the top 4, as they have a favorable matchup against #6 hard.day!. Despite a surprising 0-4 loss to RadicaL (which is a testament to RadicaL's skill more than BabblerSquad's shortcomings), BabblerSquad have been actively trying to play more, and against higher-skilled opponents, so I'm expecting a win here; they should defeat the Finns comfortably in this match.
Prediction: #5 BlueBabblerSquad > #2 vetus, 4-0
Top Performers: catcatdo & AliceTaylor (BlueBabblerSquad), vartija & punpu (vetus)
Result: #5 BlueBabblerSquad > #2 vetus, 4-0 (BOOYA!)
~ R.I.P. BREAKFAST KLUB ~
NSL Division 2
Group A
Roster Changes ~ #2 Scurvy: +havok
Bye Week: #1 Scurvy, #3 Team Work & Tactics (> dat Team! 4-0, Forfeit)
*MOTW: #1 (▲ #3 / #5) 50 Shades of Awesome (3-0-2, 14-2) vs. #5 ( ▬ / #5) Original gorges (2-2-0, 8-8)
50 Shades have been pretty impressive thus far in Season 3. To be honest, they've been outshining their seemingly superior countrymen in Ascension, if only because they've played (and won) more matches. Regardless, having a 2-round advantage, they've managed to wrestle away the #1 spot from Scurvy (14 RF for 50 Shades compared to 12 RF for Scurvy). And it's not some fluke-y result, either. 50 Shades have been running roughshod over their opponents, including the previous #2 seed, Team Work & Tactics. And what's more: they battled [the now #2] Scurvy to a 2-2 draw in a match that's produced what's now become the paramount NS2 meme.
Next in line for the Aussies is Original gorges: a team budding with potential, but with some visible struggles against the higher-tiered teams that Division 2 has to offer: they lost 0-4 to Ascension, and 1-3 to Scurvy. They have a chance here not so much to redeem themselves, but more so to prove to themselves that they can hang with the big boys (and girls).
The problem is, I have a feeling that 50 Shades are determined to stay on top of the mountain. In the final week of the season, they have an absolutely colossal showdown with a familiar opponent (for them) in Ascension. If history has proven anything, 50 Shades will need a huge win here to give them some wiggle room in terms of RF—and they'll likely get it.
Prediction: #1 50 Shades > #5 Original gorges, 3-1 (1-1 Jambi, 2-0 Tram)
Top Performers: Spider & Killswitch (50 Shades), Shiniii & HaFFelHoFF (Original gorges)
Result: #1 50 Shades = #5 Original gorges, 2-2 (Close but no cigar!)
#4 ( ▬ / #6) Ascension (2-0-1, 8-0) vs. #6 ( ▬ / #3) WongaNS (1-3-0, 5-11)
For a moment, it seemed as if Ascension was going to miss the playoffs because of the amount of rounds that the teams above them had amassed. But alas, with both TW&T and Scurvy hitting bumps in the road, there is a massive opportunity here for the Aussies to seize one of the two available playoff spots. Hell, it's even looking more and more possible to have an all-Aussie affair in Group A!
To be honest, I still have faith in Scurvy to hold on to a spot—but in the spirit of honesty, Scurvy didn't do themselves any favors by dropping one round each to Original gorges and Wonga: teams they should have 4-0'd. With both Ascension (8 RF, 2 Matches Played) and 50 Shades (14 RF, 4 Matches Played) 4-0'ing their opponents so far (with the exception of the latter's 2-2 draw with Scurvy), the two Aussie squads are really putting the pressure on the other Division 2 teams still in the running: TW&T (9 RF, 4 Matches Played), Original gorges (8 RF, 4 Matches Played), and Scurvy (12 RF, 4 Matches Played).
Wonga, meanwhile, are on the opposite side of the spectrum as Ascension; they're really in damage control mode, as they've had a lot of difficulty this season. At this point, it's a foregone conclusion that they're going to miss the playoffs, so they're going to have to regroup and look forward to next season, and playing against a team like Ascension will do nothing but help them.
It's clear that, of all the teams contending for the Group A playoff spots, Ascension have the highest upside, having only played 2 matches and dropping 0 rounds: something no other team in Division 2 can claim. While there's little room for error, The Aussies should begin a very strong home stretch with a dominant victory here.
Prediction: #4 Ascension > #6 Wonga, 4-0
Top Performers: nneeee & beq [have to give the gorges some love!] (Ascension), Leech0r & Totaldang (Wonga)
Result: #4 Ascension > #6 Wonga, 4-0 (BOOYA!)
Group B
#3 Packet loss disbands (?). #5 RaZe changes team name to Racist Zebras (Nice. I see what you did there!)
Bye Week: #3 Packet loss (> #7 o Victory 4-0, Forfeit), #5 dysgorge
*MOTW: #1 ( ▬ / #2) FLASH (3-0-1, 14-2) vs. #4 (▲ #5 / #5) Racist Zebras (2-0-3, 9-3)
This is a pretty important match for both of these teams. To be honest, I'm not sure if #3 Packet loss has disbanded or not—but their roster appears to be completely empty, so I don't know what's going on. If this is the case (and I will be operating under that assumption), then both Zebras (the Aussie artists formerly known as RaZe) and #5 dysgorge have hope of making the playoffs, with 9 RF each (#2 onFire 13 RF, #1 FLASH 14 RF)—they're not that far behind. So you can see, a win here for The Zebras could bring them within 3 rounds of 1st place, and they still have a few matches to play during make-up week.
FLASH, on the other hand, need to pad their lead a little bit because Group rival onFire is hot on their heels, and they'd like nothing more than the Aussies picking up a win here. This match-up is mainly going to pit the veteran lineup of FLASH versus the potent Zebras. I was leaning towards a draw for this match. And honestly, the Aussies are good enough to win this outright. But I always value experience and chemistry over all else. FLASH will emerge with a hard-fought victory.
Prediction: #1 FLASH > #4 Racist Zebras, 3-1 (1-1 Jambi, 2-0 Tram)
Top Performers: Osku & oN (FLASH), Mazza & flow (Zebras)
Result: #1 FLASH > #4 Racist Zebras, 3-1 (BOOYA!)
#2 (▲ #3 / #1) onFire (3-1-1, 13-3) vs. #6 ( ▬ / #6) Virtual Selection (2-2-0, 7-9)
This week is important for any team with post-season aspirations, and onFire is no exception. Like I said earlier, there's not much room for error for the top Group B teams, so a win would be a huge relief for onFire. While Virtual Selection aren't completely out of the picture yet, they are still very much on the outside looking in; they'd need a lot of things to go wrong for other teams in order to get the #2 spot, but either way, if they want any chance at the playoffs, they'll have to start by picking up a win here.
But I'm not sure it'll come; and if it does, it won't come by that easily for them. Though I've seen Vs defeat onFire in a PCW or two, I think onFire is really in mid/late-season form at this point and will be a tough draw for any remaining teams that still have to face them (either in Week 7 or for make-up matches). After a rough start to the season, Vs have looked impressive by defeating dysgorge 3-1: a team that drew #1 FLASH 2-2. But regardless, I think onFire will pick up the win here and look to hold on to that Top 2 spot.
Prediction: #2 onFire > #6 Virtual Selection, 3-1 (2-0 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: Vindaloo & Zero-Master (onFire), Ben & Pipo (Vs)
Result: #2 onFire > #6 Virtual Selection, 3-1 (BOOYA!)
NSL Division 3
Roster Changes: ~ #1 el'pheer: +iots
Bye Week: #1 el'pheer
*MOTW: #2 ( ▬ / #6) Vexta (3-0-1, 14-2) vs. #3 ( ▬ / #5) Gorge Busters (3-1-0, 12-4)
Both of these teams are basically fighting for the #2 spot, because it appears that el'pheer are running away with the #1 seed, holding a whopping 22 RF (Five 4-0 wins and a 2-2 draw with Vexta). This might be bad news for the lads in Gorge Busters because Vexta have shown some real potential by taking el'pheer to the limit—a team that defeated Busters 4-0. But obviously, The Busters won't be disheartened by this in the slightest. They have their own goals for this season, and making the playoffs, I'm positive, is one of those goals.
That being said, let me give you some insight into how pivotal this match really is for both of the teams involved. Vexta are the current #2 with 14 RF, compared to #3 Busters' 12 RF. Vexta's next (and final) opponent will be Renegade 2: a team that they will most likely defeat 4-0. Gorge Busters' last match will be against HBZ—again, a team they should defeat 4-0. With a differential of two rounds between these two teams, this match is suddenly an absolute must-win for Gorge Busters, lest they miss the playoffs.
Make no bones about it, everything is on the line in this match. Vexta cannot get complacent, and neither can Gorge Busters be over-confident. But the one thing we can all count on is for fireworks out on the field as these two teams clash for, most likely, the 2nd and final playoff spot for Group A. I'm conflicted on this pick because I like The Busters—but I just have a feeling about Vexta.
Prediction: #2 Vexta > #3 Gorge Busters, 3-1 (1-1 Jambi, 2-0 Tram)
Top Performers: Kilo & Leap (Vexta), Maxamus & Yaluzan (Busters)
Result: #2 Vexta > #3 Gorge Busters, 4-0 (Horseshoes & Handgrenades!)
#4 ( ▬ / #3) The Art of War♥ (2-2-0, 7-9) vs. #5 ( ▬ / #7) FIGHT CLAN (1-3-1, 6-14)
Both of these teams are more or less out of the playoff race. TAW are technically still in it, but they'd need their mates in Gorge Busters to outright beat Vexta, and then lose 0-4 to HBZ in Week 7 (among many other things!). Either way, it isn't looking too great for both teams here.
FIGHT CLAN are still a very green team, as they've lost 0-4 to the rebuilding-HBZ and drew 2-2 with an equally-as-fresh team in Renegade 2. This doesn't bode well for their upcoming match, as TAW have beaten both clans (> HBZ 3-1, > Renegade2 4-0). I'm not smelling any kind of upset in the works here; should be a pretty straightforward match, and I think TAW are still hanging on to that glimmer of hope that they could possibly still snatch that #2 spot—so they'll come out firing.
I wouldn't hold my breath for the post-season if I were them, but they can at least sleep well after their victory here.
Prediction: #4 TAW♥ > #5 FIGHT CLAN, 4-0
Top Performers: DrainBamaged & DCDarkling (TAW), Flamby & slidem (FIGHT CLAN)
Result: #4 TAW♥ > #5 FIGHT CLAN, 4-0 (BOOYA!)
#6 ( ▬ / #3) Renegade 2 (0-3-1, 2-14) vs. #7 ( ▬ / #4) HBZ (0-4-0, 1-15)
Both of these teams are really in damage-control mode. The season is pretty unsalvageable from a playoff standpoint, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to play for. Every match, every scrim/PCW is a learning experience, and as always, there's pride on the line.
They've added a few new members each in the month of October (2 for HBZ, 3 for Renegade 2)—hopefully this can round out both teams' rosters. It's not uncommon to see rather large lineups for lower division teams as they look to find a solid starting lineup; it's no secret that the elite teams boast rather intimate rosters, so it's just a part of the process for up-and-coming squads.
That all being said, I actually think this is an even match-up as Renegade and HBZ are, pretty much, at the same stage of rebuilding. This bout should end in a draw.
Prediction: #6 Renegade 2 = #7 HBZ, 2-2 (1-1 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: Hohey & Sadenki (Renegade 2), kramwall & LudwigX (HBZ)
Result: #7 HBZ > #6 Renegade 2, 4-0 (Got me there :D)
Group A
Group B
Roster Changes ~ #4 Silvermoon: +RisingSun
Bye Week: #1 Next Level Gaming
*MOTW: #2 ( ▬ / #2) Evolved Ones (2-1-3, 7-1) vs. #4 (▲ #5 / #6) Silvermoon (1-1-3, 6-6)
This is an intriguing match. Whereas Evolve Ones burst onto the competitive scene, Silvermoon have quietly been around for quite some time now—but their lack of visible scrimming/matches have left them by the wayside for the most part.
But Silvermoon's lack of airtime shouldn't fool anyone; they just recently played Group B favorites Next Level Gaming to a surprising 2-2 draw (casted by yours truly!). It'll be tough to gauge this match because EO still have yet to play nL (Week 3 Match), and while that match will carry absolutely huge playoff implications for Group B, EO can't concern themselves with it too much at the moment, as Silvermoon is no pushover team. If they sleep on SM, it could spell disaster for them.
I have to admit, I've grossly underestimated Silvermoon this season—if I had to pick a darkhorse for Group B, I'd go 100% for Silvermoon. The way they played nL really impressed me, and I don't see any signs of letting up. I think they'll draw yet another top team in Group B this week.
Prediction: #2 Evolved Ones = #4 Silvermoon, 2-2 (1-1 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: TomTom & Fiskbit (Evolved Ones), haWpr & curryallday (Silvermoon)
Result: #2 Evolved Ones = #4 Silvermoon, 2-2 (BOOYA!)
#3 ( ▬ / #4) Maximum Damage (1-1-1, 6-6) vs. #5 (▲ #6 / 5) Waka Waka (0-2-0, 1-7)
Waka Waka have strangely underperformed this entire season thus far. They formed about half-way through Season 2, so there's been plenty of time for them to acclimate to the competitive atmosphere, optimize their lineup, go over strategies, and most importantly, scrim scrim scrim. But they've almost inexplicably been unable to take a round from neither nL nor Renegade, and fought to a 2-2 draw against the newcomers in OMNOM.
On the other hand, the other newcomers—Maximum Damage—have taken a round from nL, drew Evolved Ones 2-2, and even beat Silvermoon 3-1. They've been on an upward trend as the season's progressed. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for Waka, who appear to have roster issues to some degree (the bane of any team).
While it remains to be seen whether Waka Waka can pull it together, it seems rather unlikely that they'll be doing so against the upstarts in Maximum Damage and will just have to regroup for next season.
Prediction: #3 Maximum Damage > #5 Waka Waka, 4-0
Top Performers: EvilBot & Volsella (Maximum Damage), rudyeckert & Kaj (Waka Waka)
Result: #5 Waka Waka > #3 Maximum Damage, 4-0 (Maximum Dam. disbands)
#6 ( ▬ / #7) OMNOM (0-0-4, 0-0) vs. #7 (▼ #4 / #5) Renegade (0-1-2, 2-6)
Being the new kids on the block, OMNOM have entered this season relatively under the radar, but with a few games under their belt, it's becoming a little more clear how they stand as a team. They lost 1-3 to Silvermoon in Week 1, though that's to be expected as they're a very new team, and SM have been hanging around since Season 2 (as I've said numerous times: experience > skill! Unless the skill is Premiere Division-level :x ). But they followed this up with a 2-2 draw of Waka Waka. Granted, they've been having troubles, but my point stands: Waka's been around as a team longer, had more time to practice; there's no reason for them not to have won that match.
Now they're going up against Renegade: a team that 4-0'd Waka (casted by yours truly!). A win won't come easy, but Renegade have been kind of flip-floppy this season with two 0-4 losses, a 4-0 win, and a 2-2 draw. Conversely, OMNOM have shown more consistent improvement as the season's progressed, beginning with a 1-3 loss to Silvermoon, and then improving to a 2-2 draw with Waka Waka. The next logical step would be a 3-1 win, and that's what I'm gonna go with here.
Prediction: #6 OMNOM > #7 Renegade, 3-1 (2-0 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: Banewish & Luta (OMNOM), Tinki & Fleshmauler (Renegade)
Result: #6 OMNOM > #7 Renegade, 4-0 (Horseshoes & Handgrenades!)
NSL Division 4
Bye Week: #1 Lucky Fkers (> #7 Lethargic Zebras 4-0, Forfeit), #2 karvalakki
#5 ( ▬ / #5) iFixit (1-1-1, 4-4) vs. #6 ( ▬ / #4) überProüt (1-3-0, 4-12)
Both of these teams have had some rather un-pretty seasons so far. überProüt have posted three 0-4 losses so far this season; iFixit haven't faired that much better, with two 0-4 losses, though they did manage to take a round from #2 karvalakki.
When it comes down to it, this is a match between two teams that are completely new to competitive NS2. By all accounts, they're both casual clans, so their struggles this season should come as no surprise. Strangely enough, however, neither team is out of the playoff race just yet, but one of them would need a 4-0 victory here to keep those hopes afloat.
In all honesty, this match could be a toss-up, but I'll give iFixit the benefit of the doubt here.
Prediction: #5 iFixit > #6 überProüt, 3-1 (2-0 Jambi, 1-1 Tram)
Top Performers: ColonelPanic & MutantFreak (iFIxit), Draelis & gth (überProüt)
Result: #5 iFixit = #6 überProüt, 0-0 (Both teams disband. I should have gone with the 2-2 for the technical win!)
*MOTW: #4 ( ▬ / #1) Helix (2-2-0, 9-7) vs. #3 ( ▬ / #6) BOX (2-0-1, 10-2)
Much like Waka Waka, Helix have been surprisingly underwhelming so far in Season 3. I'm not sure what the culprit is, as the core of the team still remains. But regardless, facts are facts, and Helix have struggled greatly. Their only wins are a 4-0 forfeit against the defunct Lethargic Zebras, and another 4-0 win over the brand-new iFixit. Meanwhile, they've lost to 0-4 to Lucky Fkers, and 1-3 to karvalakki.
The Singaporeans in BOX, on the other hand, sees Helix's wins, and raises them a 2-2 draw with Lucky Fkers and a 4-0 victory over karvalakki. Oddly enough, however, iFixit and überProüt would appear to be out of the playoffs (although, not entirely—if either team can win their Week 6 Match against the other, there may still be hope, albeit very little). That means that, regardless of the outcome of this match, Helix and BOX should still both be in (although Helix wouldn't do themselves any favors by losing here).
In the end, both teams may be playing this close to the vest, but based on past matches, it's pretty clear that BOX's hand should be superior to Helix's for this match (yay Poker references).
Prediction: #3 BOX > #4 Helix, 4-0
Top Performers: ooi & Marisa (BOX), ramsus & MIKE (Helix)
Result: #3 BOX > #4 Helix, 4-0 (BOOYA!)
I N M E M O R I A M
