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Iran has 2nd straight win in FIBA Asian Championships

Xinhua, September 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

Defending champion Iran defeated India 88-66 for its second win in a row at the 2015 FIBA Asian Championships here on Thursday.

It wasn't quite an easy win for Iran who was challenged until the last minute.

Four Iranian players had double figures, with Hassanzadeh Saberi leading the team with 16 points. Veteran point guard Mahdi Kamrani finished with 13 points. Hamed E. Haddadi and Nik Khah Bahrami had 11 and 12 points respectively.

Indian forward Amjyot Singh collected a game-best 26 points.

Star center Hamed E. Haddadi picked up the first basket for Iran, and the west Asian powerhouse established an early lead after a couple of fast breaks.

Indian center Amritpal Singh responded with two straight baskets to close the gap to 12-6, only to see Iran make full use of Indian turnovers to extend the advantage. India made as many as six turnovers in the first quarter, trailing 27-11 at the end of the period.

Indian big men Amritpal Singh and Amjyot Singh found their rhythm in the second quarter. They combined 13 points to help the South Asian champion catch up. The score again became close into the later half of the second quarter. Iran dominated the court, but it looked difficult for the shooters to find the basket. The first half concluded with Iran leading 39-30.

Iran managed to broaden the gap to double digits thanks to shots from Haddadi. Oshin Sahakian and Nik Khah Bahrami followed up. Iran made the advantage to 20 point after Haddadi hit two free throws.

However, India was far from surrender. Yadwinder Singh completed a 4-point play to carry Indian up again. Iran was more efficient on the offensive side, wrapping up the third period 63-48.

India had closed gap to 13 points, but Iranian shooters did well in the key quarter, helping the defending champion finish the game with victory.

Iran will next encounter Malaysia, and India will take on Japan on Friday. Enditem