Nationals downed by defending champion Iran in FIBA Asia Champions Cup semifinals

The championship dreams of the Smart Gilas Pilipinas went down in a burning heap as they were outclassed by the defending champions Mahram of Iran, 77-80, in the semifinals of the 22nd FIBA Asia Champions Cup yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Nationals fought gallantly but eventually came up short as they missed on two three-point attempts in the dying seconds, which would have tied the game up.

Naturalized player Marcus Douthit played with passion and held his own against the towering frontline of Mahram, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while JV Casio tallied 21 points including a three-pointer that tied the game up at 62-all heading to the fourth after the Nationals trailed, 39-45, at halftime.

Iran grabbed the lead back early in the fourth with a six-point swing that put them in front, 71-65, with 7:41 left in the game. Still, the Nationals relented and came within two, 75-77, after five straight points from Chris Tiu.

Casio put the count at 77-78 with 11.2 seconds left. Nikkah Bahrami sealed the deal as he sank two free throws on the next possession to silence the raucous crowd.

Mahdi Kamrani and Cheik Samb each had 17 to lead Mahram while Chris Williams added 16.

The Nationals will play for third place today at 4 p.m. against the loser of the semifinal game between Lebanon and Qatar.

Meanwhile, Syria beat Saudi Arabia, 85-77,  and set up a meeting with Jordan for fifth place.  Jordan downed Iraq, 98-90.