Iran basketball team records 2nd win at 2017 FIBA Asia Cup

The Iranian men’s national basketball team has pulled off its second win at the 2017 Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball (FIBA) Asia Cup in Lebanon, overcoming the Syrian side.

The Iranian squad defeated the Syrian basketball team 87-63 in another Group A encounter of the continental tournament at Nouhad Nawfal Stadium in Zouk Mosbeh town, located 12 kilometers north of the Lebanese capital city of Beirut, on Friday evening.

The Iranian sportsmen opened the game vigorously and well managed to assume the lead, and outnumbered the Syrians 28-20 at the end of the first quarter.

The Persians upheld superiority in the second quarter, and took it by 24 points to 12.

The Syrian basketball players battled to gain the lead in the third quarter, and employed several attacks and blocks to clinch a narrow 19-18 victory.

The Iranians emerged strong on all fronts in the final quarter, and could record a 17-12 win at last.

The Iranian men’s national basketball team will face Jordan on Sunday.

The 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, which is the 29th edition of the continental basketball championship in Asia, started in Lebanon on August 8 and will conclude on August 20.

Iran has been drawn in Group A along with India, Jordan and Syria.

Group B consists of China, Iraq, the Philippines and Qatar. Lebanon is pitted against Kazakhstan, New Zealand and South Korea in Group C.

Australia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Japan are in Group D.

The tournament will determine the composition of the joint FIBA Asia and FIBA Oceania qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

The Iran men's national basketball team will face Syria in its second preliminary round fixture on Friday.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk