(Asian Games) PH 5 bows down to Asian power Iran anew

(UPDATE 1) Asian champion Iran National squad trounced a befuddled Smart Gilas Pilipinas, 65-48, Tuesday night in the men’s basketball preliminary round of the 16th Asian Games.

The Philippines had another spotty performance with another paltry start, as it stared at a whopping 20-point lead halfway through the third period before futilely playing catch up the rest of the contest.

Skipper Chris Tiu singlehandedly carried the squad on a dismal shooting night, knocking down four of Gilas’ five triples in 16 attempts to finish with 14 markers, but that came with five turnovers.

The Filipinos came as close as 13 points on an 8-0 scoring run late in the fourth, but it was immediately neutralized by the taller Iranians, who answered with four straight points.

Gilas, who is set to collide with the injury-plagued Qatar tomorrow, drew no solid support from the other college standouts with JV Casio, Mac Barracael and Mark Barocca as the only ones who made it to the scoreboard.

PBA Additions Asi Taulava, Sol Mercado and Kelly Williams combined for 20 points.

Three Iranians wound up with double digits led by Hamed Sohrabnehad who had 11 points. Celest Flores