SK Gaming beat Team Heretics and qualified for Round 2 of the Losers Bracket this LEC Winter Split

AdminFebruary 11, 2024

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SK Gaming beat Team Heretics and qualified for Round 2 of the Losers Bracket this LEC Winter Split

The restart of the LEC Winter Split 2024 playoffs held the first round of the Losers Bracket, marked by the first elimination matches in the Bo3. The day began with a duel between SK Gaming and Team Heretics, which ended with a win for Niski’s team, which now prepares for a clash against Fnatic.

It is not very bright

The LEC Winter Split 2024 playoffs resume this Saturday, February 10, with the start of Round 1 of the Losers Bracket, marking a crucial stage for teams still in the running. On the programme, two matches in the Bo3 are crucial for the survival of the contenders. The first matchup of the day is Team Heretics Vs. SK Gaming highlights, two teams looking to bounce back from their losses in the opening weekend of the playoffs. The winner of this Bo3 duel will not only stay alive in the tournament, but also prepare to clash with Fnatic in Round 2 of the loser’s bracket. For the loser, it will have to bid farewell to its playoff hopes. So this match promises to be a fierce battle where every team will play their part to continue their way in the competition.

Team Heretics, despite an early loss to Team BDS, one of the favorites for the title, nevertheless showed great prowess on the field, especially proving to be more resilient than expected. Comprised of LEC veterans like Wunder, Jankos, and Perkz, the team certainly isn’t the favorite on paper, but has the potential to surprise if it manages to elevate its game, collectively and individually. On the other hand, SK Gaming faces a period of doubt after a surprise loss against Team Vitality. After getting off to a hot start with a perfect 3-0 weekend early in the regular season, the team seems to have lost its luster, showing signs of fatigue and a diminishing impact on the game. SK Gaming has clear strengths though, so there’s that. Most capable of bouncing back between teams in trouble.

Game 1

In this first round of Bo3 between SK and Heretics, the meeting took a turn. The start of the game saw a very aggressive approach from SK, who quickly took the lead after drawing first blood. However, a miscalculated T1 boatlane dive quickly turned the tide against them, destroying the lead they had built up. Despite this setback, SK did not give up and continued to impose their aggressive style, dominating the lane phase, securing the first neutral objectives to maintain control of the map. With a 2k gold lead in the 10th minute of the game, their pressure was mainly focused on the botlane, where they continued to collect objectives preventing their opponents from crossing the halfway line.

However, in the 21st minute, a huge team fight broke out, which marked a major turning point in the game. Unlike SK who missed out, Heretics managed the encounter brilliantly, winning a clean ace and their first dragon, allowing them to take advantage in terms of gold for the first time in the game. The victory made the task very difficult for SK who made a lot of mistakes, giving their opponents a chance to come back. In the 28th minute, another decisive team fight saw the Heretics dominate once again, winning first over Nashor. With the buff in their pocket, they launched a decisive offensive, breaking through SK Base’s defenses to eventually win the first round of the series. Despite a promising start and a well-executed offensive strategy, SK lost.

Game 2

In their second round of matches, SK once again adopted an aggressive strategy, seemingly learning from their previous defeat. With more measured execution and strong early control, they not only gained first blood and first dragon, but also consistently pressured the lane. In 10 minutes of play, this approach allowed them to take a 1k gold lead, while avoiding the excessive risks that cost them in the first round. A turning point came in the 12th minute during a chaotic team fight, which eventually turned to SK’s advantage thanks to Arilevant’s remarkable performance on Gnar. This clash not only solidified their lead to nearly 3k gold, but also allowed SK to gain significant dominance on the map.

Continuing their momentum, SK increased their pressure by getting a third Dragon in the 17th minute, moving cautiously to avoid repeating past mistakes. A decisive team fight initiated by SK in the 21st minute resulted in a resounding victory, with Perks exploiting a weak position to open the way for the game’s first Baron Nashor. Armed with the buff, the SKs intensified their onslaught, and forced their way to the gates of the Heretics base, who attempted to defend. The tension reached its peak in the 30th minute, when SK made a huge breakthrough into the Herritics base without managing to end the game. Finally, in the 38th minute, SK won the final team fight, allowing them to tie the series. . By opting for controlled aggression and using opportunities effectively, SK managed (without too much trouble) to overcome the Heretics, who didn’t have to do much in the game.

Game 3

In the third and final round of this series, SK tried to impose their rhythm from the first moments of the game, with Isma putting considerable pressure in the enemy jungle. However, this aggressive strategy allowed the Heathens to draw first blood, leading to a tense start to the game. Despite this, SK continued to take the initiative, securing the first dragon and establishing good vision control, showing their desire to dominate the map. At 10 minutes into the game, the gold gap remains minimal, with SK leading by just under 1k gold. The first big turning point came in the 14th minute during a team fight around the dragon’s lap. Although the objective was secured by the Heretics, SK won the fight, allowing them to take the first turret and increase their lead to 3k gold.

The match took a decisive turn in the 18th minute during a team fight initiated by the Heretics on the topplane. Poorly managed by the latter, SK dominated the encounter, achieving the ACE and significantly widening the gold gap in their favor. The win allowed SK to take control of the Heretics jungle, marking a defining moment in the game’s evolution. Another key moment was the battle for Nashor in the 22nd minute, with SK winning the teamfight to get the goal. This gave them the opportunity to surround the enemy base, putting insurmountable pressure on the heretics. The 29th minute finale was pivotal. SK Gaming sealed their victory in this game and consequently, this Bo3.