Gilas Pilipinas falls to Olympics-bound Iran to end Fiba World Cup campaign

Photo from Fiba.com

The Philippines wrapped up its campaign in the 2019 Fiba World Cup winless after bowing to Asian rival Iran, 95-75, Sunday night at Beijing Wukesong Sports Center in China.

Gilas Pilipinas, who fell to 0-5 in the tournament, stayed close early before Iran pulled away in the second quarter.

Veteran center Hamed Haddadi had 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks for the Iranians, who booked an Olympic berth after finishing as the best Asian team in the World Cup.

Robert Bolick continued to flourish as he led the Nationals with 15 points.

Frustrations mounted for Andray Blatche after the naturalized big man got ejected at the 5:23 mark of the fourth quarter. He scored 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field.

Iran shifted to high gear in the second half where it led by as much as 29.