Genesis win back-to-back West London titles

LONDON The Genesis Professionals clinched their second straight basketball title in London after winning the 2012 Kapisanan ng mga Manlalarong Pilipino sa Inglatera (KAMPI) West winter league title against rival squad Stunners, 82-74.

The game between the Genesis and the Stunners last April 22 in Northolt, London was an eagerly anticipated rematch between last years KAMPI West summer league finalists.

Genesis were favorites going into the game despite having parted ways with the majority of their championship winning side in the off-season.

Experienced stalwarts such as former PBA veterans Mike Mustre and Ruel Bravo were replaced by some of the most talented players from both KAMPI East and West leagues.

Genesis rising talent Terence Mustre, son of Mike, was now joined by the likes of last seasons KAMPI West Most Valuable Player (MVP) Stanley Gitau, East MVP Bing Vidad, and a host of players from reigning East champions the Controllers.

Genesis lost only once in the eight-game regular season, dropping their game against Flight Club.

Meanwhile, former two-time champions Stunners were the underdogs, but had a consistent season and were not to be underestimated. Boosted by the addition of regular season MVP Jay Jahnke to their line-up, the finalists lost only once during the regular season against Genesis.

Apart from a few other additions, the main core of the Stunners team remained intact and were eager to get revenge against Genesis. Players like best forward Angel Ebilane, former MVP Jeff de Vera, George Pineda, Patrick Muyot and Lloyd Sambo all stayed to suit up for the black-and-red.

Tip off

Right from the tip-off, Genesis broke into an early lead and forced the Stunners into committing a series of turnovers, which Vidad eagerly took advantage off.

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Genesis win back-to-back West London titles