By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Iran achieved its second victory in this FIBA World Cup with a stunning 95-75 performance against the Philippines, that will go out with five defeats. Iran now qualifies for the Olympics of 2020, leaving China behind to the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.
“Unbelievable. The highs and lows of this World Cup are ridiculous. We showed resilience. It’s a great day to be an Iranian”, said Michael Rostampour.
Paced by Hamed Haddadi’s 19-point performance, the Iranian selection imposed its fast pace right from the second quarter, while the Philippines didn’t fall far behind to make the score 30-24 heading to the second.
Iran got ahead with as much as 29 points, with a crazy run in the third period that helped them set the foundations for the victory and sign off the competition on a positive note.
The mood was not the same for the Philippines. Despite a 16-point performance by Andrey Blatche, the rest of the squad seemed numb in their last game and will head off with a discouraging 0-5 record.
Photo credit: FIBA.basketball