FIBA World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers: Iran Defeats Philippines
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran basketball team defeated the Philippines 81-73 in the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Thursday.
Iran was led by the veteran Nikkhah Bahrami who had 21 points and seven rebounds and Sajjad Mashayekhi added 19 points. Rouzbeh Arghavan filled in for an injured Hamed Haddadi and contributed eight points.
Haddadi didn't see action until the final minute with Iran firmly in control. Guiao lamented the missed opportunity to face Iran without its best player.
The Philippines’ Christian Standhardinger led his team with 30 points on 10-of-14 shooting. He added 12 rebounds and 6 steals.
This was Iran's sixth win in seven games, while the Philippines absorbed its third defeat against four victories.
Iran will fly to Tokyo next to play Japan, while the Philippines returnes home to host Qatar on 17 September.
