Depleted Bulls stop Lhuillier’s run

OZAMIZ CITY–An undermanned Sulpicio Lines-Pampanga squad uncorked a 12-0 blast in the closing minutes to snap N. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu’s six-game winning streak in the 2003 Panasonic-National Basketball League Regional Cup tournament, 90-77, Friday at the Gov. Angel Medina gym here.

New recruit Louie Aquino scattered 31 points to power the seven-man Raging Bulls to their second win in six games in the tourney sponsored by Panasonic Phils., Beer na Beer, Sulpicio Lines, Nature’s Spring Mineral Water, BJ Star Logistics and Molten Basketball.

Despite the loss, the Cebuanos remained as the No.1 team and gained an automatic berth in the semifinal round.

The Ilocos Sur Snipers spilled Restolax/Mail & More-Maynila, 95-86, in the other game to match Lhuillier’s 6-1 record.

The Cebuanos controlled the game in the first two quarters behind the scoring of point guard Woodraw Enriquez, James Laygo and Rey Cantona.

But the Raging Bulls leaned on Aquino to grab the upperhand, 64-55, in the third and kept the lead, 61-55, going into the final canto.

Former PBA campaigner Kenny Evans sparkled for the Snipers with 29 points, four rebounds and five assists.