MANILA, Philippines -- Iran marched to the finals of the 27th FIBA Asia Men's Basketball Championship after routing Chinese Taipei, 79-60, in their semifinal game at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.
Point guard Mahdi Kamrani spearheaded a second quarter rally that allowed Iran to take the lead after getting off to a poor start against the hot-shooting Chinese Taipei team.

Chinese Taipei made 10 of their 15 field goals in the opening quarter to take a surprising 23-14 lead.

However, they only made three field goals in the second period, and were unable to contain Iran's Kamrani, who sparked his team to a 17-0 run to open the frame.

Chinese Taipei went down by double digits in the second period, but ended the quarter strong and were down by just six, 35-41, at the half.

But with Kamrani and Oshin Sahakian at the helm, Iran got off to an 8-0 start in the third quarter and wound up scoring 29 points in the period, while holding Chinese Taipei to a paltry four points.

Chinese Taipei briefly threatened in the fourth period, cutting the lead to 17 points, 47-64. But their efforts to cut the deficit further were matched by baskets from Iran, including a fast break lay-up by Kamrani and a triple by Hamed Afagh that gave Iran a 75-70 lead.

Iran will take on the winner of the other semifinals match between host Philippines and South Korea.

By ABS CBN News

 

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