Photo By Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo settled for fourth place after bowing to Iran, 70-63, in the 2018 William Jones Cup Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Riding high after coming off a stunning win over Chinese Taipei-A on Saturday, the Blue Eagles got off to a strong start as they took a 39-31 lead at halftime.
But the Iranians, led by Vahid Dalirzahan and Rasoul Mozafarivanani, got going in the third quarter, where they outscored the Filipinos, 23-11.
Dalirzahan and Mozafarivanani combined for 19 points in the pivotal third quarter alone.
Dalirzahan dazzled for Iran with 26 points built on seven 3-pointers, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Blue Eagles ended the tournament at 5-3, winning four of their last five games.
Iran tied 3D Global Sports of Canada with a 7-1 record but wound up in second place due to an inferior quotient.
Matt Nieto, who hit the game-winning triple against Taipei, paced Ateneo with 14 points while Angelo Kouame posted 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Thirdy Ravena chipped in 12 points and three assists.