The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu City Jewelers claimed the top spot in bracket A with a nerve-wracking 116-107 overtime victory over the resilient Montaña Pawnshop-Davao on Monday in the Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association Sinulog Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.

Former PBA guard Dale Singson saved the Jewelers? in regulation as he hit crucial shots down the stretch to force overtime.

Montana guard and ex-Jeweler Mike Manigo put his team ahead by five, 100-95 with 37.5 ticks remaining when M. Lhuillier turned to Singson.

Singson, who last played for the Alaska Aces in the pro league, first scored on a fadeaway jumper with 32 seconds remaining.

Following two missed freebies by Montana's Ardy Guiyab, Singson sank the equalizer on a booming three-pointer with 6.9 ticks left, forcing overtime.

Singson combined efforts with bullstrong pivot Marlon Basco in the extra period to put the game away.

Both scored all but two of the Jewelers 16 points in overtime.

Basco and the high-flying Bruce Dacia each had 24 markers for the Jewelers, while Singson, Woodrow Enriquez and Stephen Padilla each had 12 points.

Tata Fernandez led Montana with 33 points.

The Jewelers now await the second-seeded team in bracket B in the semifinals.

Montana and Toyota-Balintawak will battle one another for the final semis seat in bracket A on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Fifth Avenue started its campaign with a nail-biting 112-110 win over the Pharex Medics in last Sunday?s main game.

Jeff Sanders paced Fifth Avenue with 20 points and also made bug baskets that helped his team pull out the win.

Don Villamin topped Pharex with 21 points. /Correspondents Jonas Panerio and Calvin Cordova