SPORTING a new look, the Philippines dropped its opening game of the second round of the 2019 FIBA Asia World Cup Qualifiers, 81-73, to Iran last Thursday night at the Azady Gym in Tehran, Iran.
It was a close game all throughout, before Iran pulled away in the last quarter.
The Philippines took an early 22-21 lead after a quarter of action, thanks to big man Chistian Standhardinger, who put up 19 points in the first 20 minutes.
But Iran took over after the third quarter, 63-59, before finally pulling away in the fourth.
Veteran Samad Nikkhah Bahrami led Iran’s charge with 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists. With former NBA player Hamed Haddadi seeing action for only a minute, Sajjad Mashayekhi and Arsalan Kazemi stepped up in his place.
Kazemi had a double-double of 11 points and 11 boards along with two steals and two blocks, while Mashayekhi 19 markers, four rebounds and four dimes.
Standhardinger, who got his first call-up in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers, put up monster numbers of 30 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. However, he was the only Filipino player who was in double figures. Alex Cabagnot added nine points and five assists.
The Philippines missed the services of stars Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo and Adray Blatche due to suspensions from last July’s brawl with Australia, while Cebuano behemoths Junemar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter sat out because of injuries.
The Philippines still sits at third place in Group F with 11 points from four wins and three losses, while Iran sits at the top with 13 points from six wins and a loss. EKA