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
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