China ends Iran’s reign atop FIBA Asia

MANILA, Philippines – Iran’s reign atop the FIBA Asia Championship has come to an end after they fell to China, 70-57, in the semifinals at the CSWC Arena in Changsha, China, on Friday, October 2.

Going on top by 9 after one quarter, 21-12, China kept their lead throughout the game and held on late for the victory.

The Chinese will face the winner of the Gilas-Japan semis match in the gold medal match of the FIBA Asia Championship, with a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics on the line. 

Former Milwaukee Buck Yi Jianlian led the winning side with 13 points and 8 boards, while Peng Zhou and Yanyuhang Ding contributed 10 and 12 points, respectively.

Iran was led by the 18 points of Nikkhah Bahrami. Hamed Haddadi also played well, finishing with 16 points and 11 boards, but committed 8 turnovers.

China shot 46% from the field and 41% from downtown, while limiting Iran to just 39% shooting, including 2-of-16 from downtown. 

China was outrebounded by Iran 41-38 but had more assists, 13-2.

Iran came in to the tournament having won 3 of the last 4 FIBA Asia tourneys. They will face the loser of the Gilas-Japan match on Saturday, October 3, for the bronze medal.

The gold medal game will also take place on the same day but no time has been advertised yet.. – Rappler.com