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IRI / SYR – Iran top Group D
TEHRAN (FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men): Hosts Iran provided enough entertainment for the crowd along with sending strong signals about their contention to the title with a 100-73 win over fellow West Asian rivals Syria on Saturday.
The win took Iran to top of Group D, and a place in Group II of the Quarterfinal round, along with Japan and Korea.
Syria, who also made it to the top rung of the Quarterfinal round, will have to contend with defending champions China and Kazakhstan in Group III.
“We had to prove a lot of points,” Iran coach Nebojsa Raicevic said.
“First of all we had to prove it to ourselves that we are serious contenders to the title,” the Serbian added.
“And then we had to show it our supporters that their faith won’t be wasted,” he said.
Mohammad Hasanzadeh put his 201cm height to very good use with a game high performance in points as well as rebounds. He scored 26 points – with a 13/16 showing on the floor – and collected 17 boards as Iran out rebounded Syria by a staggering 64-37 margin.
“The very purpose of our entry into this championship is to play quality opposition,” said Syria coach George Zedan.
“I see a lot of long term victories in these losses to teams like Iran,” he added.
“It’s very important for the boys to learn to play tough opponents.”
Alaa Al Sebaay topped the scoring for Syria.
Scores
Iran 100 (Mohammad Hasanzadeh 26, Emad Salmani 14, Mehdi Shirjang 14, Ramtin Shirazi 12) bt Syria 73 (Alaa Al Sebaay 16, Belal Gneed 11, Mohammad Osfira 10). Quarterwise Scores: 24-15, 49-28, 74-50.
S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia
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