Coming from first loss in Jones Cup, Nationals recover by beating powerhouse Iran

The Smart-Gilas Pilipinas remained in contention for the championship in the 34th William Jones Cup after it dealt the previously undefeated Iran its first loss with a 77-75 squeaker yesterday at the TPEC Gym in Taipei, Taiwan.

The win was a crucial one for the Gilas as it created a three-way tie at the top of the standings.

The Gilas, the United States and Iran now all stand with the same 5-1 (win-loss) record heading to the penultimate stages of this competition.

The team with the best record at the end of the single round-robin will go home with the crown.

The Nationals were coming off its first loss of the tournament against Lebanon.

The Philippines had to scramble in the endgame as it nearly lost several 10-point leads in the fourth period, the last being 65-55. Two freethrows by Oshin Sahakian and a layup and a freethrow by Samad Bahrami allowed Iran to be crawl to within two, 69-71.

But the Gilas its focus and found an open Gabe Norwood in the corner for a back-breaking three pointer that pushed the lead to five, 74-69, with 1:13 left.

Bahrami scored once again but naturalized Filipino Marcus Douthit scored on a slam while getting fouled in the process for a 76-71 lead with 31.5 ticks left.

Iran came to within one, 75-76, with 7.7 seconds left until Jeff Chan was fouled but made just one of two for a 77-75 count. Mehdi Kamrani launched the potential game-winning three that kissed the front of the rim as time expired.