Fiba Asia: Gilas Pilipinas topples defending champion Iran
Terrence Romeo looks to get past his Iranian defender. Photo from Fiba.com
Gilas Pilipinas had finally figured out Iran, taking down the defending champion, 87-73, on Monday in the second round of the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in Changsha, China.
Playing against Iran for the first time, Andray Blatche proved to be the difference maker for the Philippines, which had to fight its way back from 10 points down in the third quarter.
Jayson Castro led Gilas with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field, Blatche posted 18 points and seven rebounds while Terrence Romeo added 15 points, most of which came in the third period.
Iran giant Hamed Haddadi was held to just 10 points and seven rebounds before fouling out with 3:52 left.
The win propelled the Philippines in first place in Group E with a 3-1 record. The Iranians suffered their first loss in the tournament to also fall to 3-1.
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