Kartabz banked on the end-game flurry to break away in the closing minutes of the match that featured a see-saw battle with several deadlocks and lead changes all throughout.
Point-guard Toto Lawas played an all-round game firing 18 point out as he dished out several assists and breakaway drives.
Lito Posadas and Serge Cortes chipped in 14 points while playing coach Norwin Honoridez, who contributed hugely by scoring mostly in the pivotal period, had 10 markers.
On the other hand, Dodong Rosaroso led VRJ with 20 points while Michael Arias and Amor Ciabo chalked up 18 and 10 points, respectively.
In the exhibition match, the visiting Cebu Eastern College batch '60 humiliated PPSA Selection with a 90-74 victory.
Sammy Co led CEC with a game-high 34 points, while Benedict Chua fired 25 markers.
Nido Ibona and Efren Mosqueda scored 17 and 25 points for PPSA.
The scores
Kartabz (83) - Lawas 18, Cortes 14, Posadas 14, Honoridez 10, Ibo 8, Nabua 6, Labra 6, Lopez 2, Egpyt 2, Gabato 2, Padogdod 2
VRJ (79) - Rosaroso 20, Arias 18, Granada 11, Ciabo 10, Tañeza 6, Dacayana 4, Jabat 4, Yncierto 2, Porio 2, Atillo 1, Mata 1