Photo by Fiba
MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Youth yielded to Iran, 89-72, settling for sixth place in the Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship on Sunday at Azadi Basketball Hall in Tehran.
The Iranians leaned on the troika of Mohammad Amini, Matyar Ahmadpour, and Sarem Jafari to dominate the Filipinos as they led as many as 27 points, 66-39, in the third quarter and never looked back to capture fifth place.
Amini flirted with a triple-double, leading the home side with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
Ahmadpour also delivered 19 points on four boards, and four dimes, as Jafari added 17 points and six rebounds.
Mason Amos drilled six three-pointers for Gilas with 22 points and grabbed five rebounds as their campaign ended with a tough loss.
EJ Abadam had 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Kyle Gamber added nine markers.
The young Nationals ended their Tehran stint by losing two of their last three games after a Group C sweep.
The Scores:
IRAN 89 — Ahmadpour 19, Amini 19, Jafari 17, Manesh 12, Khosravi 10, Asgari Nia 7, Momeni 5, Soltani 0, Seraji Josheaghni 0.
PHILIPPINES 72 — Amos 22, Abadam 18, Gamber 9, Gagate 8, Nacua 5, Coronel 4, Bahay 4, Demisana 2, Porter 0, Andres 0.
Quarters: 18-17, 43-30, 66-46, 89-72.