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PHI / IRI – Philippines salvage pride with win over Iran
TEHRAN (FIBA Asia U18 Championship for Men): Philippines staged superb rallies twice to pip hosts Iran 85-84 in a Group II game of mere academic interest.
The defeat did no damage to Iran’s claim to the Group toppers position, while for the passionate Philippines, it was salvaging for many fans back home.
Iran, expectedly, were not at full blast.
Emad Salmani, who had averaged a staggering 16.75 points per game in four games for Iran was rested.
Yet Iran, seemed to have cantered ahead after Philippines had fought back to level the scores at half-time.
A 15-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, Iran surge ahead 79-64, but Philippines hit back with Matthew Wright drive down the lane following Ryan Garcia’s 3-pointer bringing them close to 78-79.
Farbod Farman powered his way under the board and moments later his three-point play put Iran 84-78 ahead.
Garcia, effected a steal after Farman had tapped the ball away to a Joseph Tolentino lay-up and shot from just outside the arc and Tolentino came up with powerful drive in the lane to bring Philippines close 81-84.
Frank Golla’s three-point play put Philippines ahead and De Guzman converted one of his two free-throws to seal the victory.
Garcia and Farman shared the scoring honours for the game with 19 points each.
Scores
Philippines 85 (Ryan Garcia 19, Matthew Wright 13, Frank Golla 10) bt Iran 84 (Farbod Farman 19, Mohammad Hasanzadeh 17, Mehdi Shirjang). uarterwise Scores: 15-19, 35-35, 52-57.
S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia
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