Iran defeats PH

IRAN DEALT the Energen Pilipinas their first loss in the ongoing FIBA Asia Under-18 Championships, 72-93, in their final preliminary round game yesterday in UlaanBaatar, Mongolia.

After starting the tournament with two straight wins, the Nationals ran into a determined Iran squad that outplayed them at every corner.

Vahid Dalirzahan had 21 points while Hossein Rahmati was a monster down low with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Skipper J-Jay Alejandro paced the Nationals with 12 points but shot a horrendous 3-of-19 from the field.  Hubert Cani added 11 while Kyle Suarez managed just 10 points.

Despite the loss, the Nationals’ 2-1 (win-loss) record still assures them of a slot in the second round./Correspondent Jonas Panerio