APR coach Cliff Owuor has praised the response of his players in this year’s league campaign after a rugged display last season.

The indomitable lions on Sunday brushed aside Espoir to record their 12th straight win and maintain their 100% record in the league.

APR, who ended their first round campaign unbeaten kept the good vein of form intact as they rounded off the 2004 champions with an 85-70 win at Amahoro.

APR’s point guard Mike Buvangu produced his best display of the season with a game high 32 points. New signing Jose Edward ‘Elongie’ Munyangaji added 17 points for the Zone-five club champions.  

"It was a big game for us and the response was clear,” said Owuor after the win.

"There was togetherness and focus. We were disciplined and focused and we were never really under threat.”

Owuor added: "I felt the whole team was sharp. We have good depth in our team and I’m starting to feel that we are going to win the league.”

APR’s fine form springs from last season. It is said that Owuor directed a rare burst of anger at his under-performing squad last season and that seems to be reaping big.

Presently, APR boast of the most complete squad in the league after singing a couple of players. This Saturday, APR and defending champions Marine will meet for the first time this year.

Meanwhile, Espoir’s loss to APR has left them on their toes. The 2004 champions know that they have to step up their game if they are to get to the play-offs. With APR already certain of play-offs action, Espoir know that the remaining three slots are up for grabs.

"We are still in the picture but that depends on how we perform in the remaining games,” one Espoir player noted.

Ends