MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas fall to Iran’s Petrochimi, 66-85, on Tuesday, September 26 in Chenzhou, China.

Chooks-to-Go was en route to breaking out of the 3-way tie with Kazakstan’s BC Astana and Iran’s Petrochimi. However, the win by Petrochimi allowed the Iranian team to take 2nd place in Group A of the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. 

Despite the loss, however, third-seeded Chooks will move on to the knockout Quarterfinal Phase on Thursday against host and Group B second seed China Kashgar, featuring former Gilas anchor Andray Blatche.

The Iranian team picked up the momentum as they capitalized on the Philippines’ poor outing in the second quarter. Despite a spark of mini-runs by Chooks-to-Go in the second half, it was not enough to overcome Iran’s 27 points in the second quarter. 

Chooks-to-Go drew first blood with Isaiah Austin making the first shot of the game at the 8:15 mark. The Iranian team countered by initially shooting from beyond the arc but they were only able to make 2/10 of their three-pointers in the first. Petrochimi then moved their offense inside the paint, allowing them to pull away with an 8-point lead. Ravena then sparked a 5-0 run to cut the deficit to 3. 

The Philippine club faced difficulties in limiting the Iranian team as a 12-2 run allowed Petrochimi to extend their lead to 14 points at the end of the second quarter. Petrochimi import Willie Warren waxed hot in the second frame as he tallied 20 points in the first half. 

Austin attempted to sway the momentum back to the Philippines as he made back-to-back plays that was highlighted by a slam. However, the Philippine team continued to struggle with offense, and the Iranians dominated all sides of the court to maintain the lead. 

Chooks-to-Go rallied back to get within 10 points via an and-1 play by Kiefer Ravena. However, the Iranians bombed an 14-0 run that ultimately sealed the win for Petrochimi with a 19-point lead.

Austin provided his usual performance for Chooks, totaling 20 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. However, aside from Ravena’s 20 points of his own, no other player scored in double-digits for the Philippines.

On the other end, Warren went wild, chipping in 30 points and not much else. Arsalan Kazemi schooled the undersized Chooks team on the boards, collecting 18 rebounds along with 9 points.

This loss puts Chooks-to-Go at 3rd place with a 2-2 recond in Group A of the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup. 

The Scores

Petrochimi (85) – Warren 30, Mashayekhi 15, Yakhchali 12, Kazemi 9, Davarpanah 8, Niktash 5, Zakeri 4, Sahakian 2, Mirzaeitalarposhti 2, Bahramzad 0, Begic 0. 

Chooks-to-Go (66) – Austin 20, Ravena 20, Torres 9, Jeron Teng 5, Revilla 4, Manuel 3, Jeric Teng 3, Cruz 0, Jose 0, Tamsi 0. 

Quarter scores: 14-16, 29-43, 45-61, 66-85

– with reports from JR Isaga/ Rappler.com