Atan Guardo held on to its two-point lead in the dying moments of the game behind the porous defense of Pardo Barangay Captain Danny Lim and Marcos Bariquit that shackled Cebu Mold Design's attempt to steal the win.
Lim, who topscored with 36 points, started the ball rolling for Atan Guardo, which led by as much as 11 points in the first half courtesy of the scoring support provided by Lito Baliguat and Eddie Omapao, who combined for 25 points.
Cebu Mold Design started to find its range behind the efforts of Tirso Tabulong, Joel Navaja and Mark Dumogdan to forge a down-the-wire battle.
Lim, however, doused cold water on Cebu Mold Design's sizzling run as he hit two consecutive long jumpers that gave Atan Guardo an 83-80 breather.
In the other game, Towers remained on the top of the standings after trampling Snaplight, 91-84.
The scores
First game
Atan Guardo (88) - Lim 36, Bariquit 15, Baliguat 15, Omayao 10, Sauro 8, Monares 4, Abellanosa 4, Bacus 2, Milegrito 1
Cebu Mold Design (86) - Tabulong 16, Navaja 14, Dumogdon 10, Postrero 9, Legaspi, Belda 8, Bayking 6, Dolino 6, Cabatingan 4, Agriabador 3
Second game
Towers (91) - Yaun 20, Cabellon 15, Acebron 15, Labrada 10, Vertodazo 9, Depedro 8, Abastas 4, Villacastin 3, Tura 3, Dasmariñas 2, Bacalso 2
Snaplight (84) - Ventic 15, Villegas 15, Badayos 13, Cabellon 9, Deamlo 7, Caballes 6, Nacional 5, Abapo 4, Revira 4, Ybiernas 3, Gulane 2, Sabellano 2