Lim was the Gems’ source of inside strength as he muscled his way to six of his 12 points in the fourth quarter to quash a late rally by the Riders, who squandered an early 16-point lead.
A triple by Stephen Padilla, part of the team that placed second in the 1999 MBA season, early in the last canto gave Cebuana Lhuillier a 58-50 cushion, a lead Skygo trimmed down to two, 62-60, going into the final four minutes.
But it proved to be the Riders’ last hurrah as Lim rose to the occasion and bailed the Gems out of trouble. The Gems nailed their fourth win in six outings.
Late Friday, Montana Pawnshop showed nerves of steel in the final minute as it pulled off a nail-biting 59-58 win over Regent-Shark and gained early entry into the semis.
Sunday Salvacion scored 18 points, including four triples while Jon Dan Salvador and Gary David delivered crucial baskets down the stretch as the Jewelers chalked up their fourth win in five games.
They would claim the No. 1 spot in the crossover semis if they beat the Blu Detergent Kings in their game still being played last night.
The Cheeseballs ended their elimination-round stint with a 4-2 card.
"One more win and we’re going to get the top spot in the semis. But judging the strengths of the teams here, being No. 1 is not much of an advantage against the No. 4 team. So we have to be cautious," said new Montana coach Ronnie Dojillo.
Salvador sank an undergoal stab while David scored on a drive following a steal off Warren Ybanez as Montana surged ahead at 59-58, with 20 seconds left in the clock.
Montana regained possession following consecutive misses by Nelbert Omolon and Rysal Castro but David muffed two charities off a foul by Castro, giving Regent-Shark another chance at the game.
Regent-Shark lost it all as Ybanez’ buzzer-beating attempt fell short.
Cebuana Lhuillier virtually went through the proverbial eye of the needle before edging Casino Alcohol, 57-58.