Iran’s National Basketball team advanced to the second round of 2015 FIBA Asia Championships as the top team in Group E by crushing Hong Kong 111-56 in their first match on Sunday.
Although India and Philippines had won over their rivals, Iran could grab 6 points to consolidate its top position in the first round of the competitions.
Meanwhile, today morning, Philippines could defeat unbeaten Iran, 87-73 to mark the first time in recent memory that the Philippines have been able to beat Iran in a FIBA Asia Championship game.
Iran had a better start to the contest, leading after one quarter and at the halftime break, but they unraveled amidst a searing second half surge by the Philippines, who turned the tables on their more fancied foes.
Samad Nikkhah Bahrami was the best Iranian player on the floor, scoring 21 points, while Mahdi Kamrani and Sajjad Mashayekhi each tallied 11. Haddadi finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds, but he fouled out in the final frame.
Iran will play their last match against Palestine tomorrow in order to advance to semi-final round and if Iran wins, they will be going to the next round as the top team and will play against the second team in Group F.
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