Gilas Drops Defending Champion Iran, 87-73

THE 2015 FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Gilas set the second elimination round on fire upon winning game against the defending champion tyrants Iran, 87-73, in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at Changsha Social Work College’s Gymnasium, Changsha in China, Monday, September 28, 2015.

This was the first time the Philippines had beaten the Asian basketball giant Iran after clashing them back in the William Jones Cup of 2011. Ranking 17th in the world, this is a significant first loss of Iran in the Asian basketball tournament.

This triumph would pave the way for Gilas Pilipinas to lock a slot on the quarterfinals and probably, if they would rise against the Indians, be the leading team in the playoffs. Gilas’ current No. 1 standing in Group E, holding a 3 wins-1 loss record (lastly from Iran), might avert their match from China in the knockout rounds until the finals.

This time, Jayson Castro was the one “on flames”, so to speak, in setting a performance-high of 26 points. Castro’s flares went out bigger in the third round. Following his lead was injured Andray Blatche with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Contributing to the final sealed score of 87 were Gabe Norwood’s jumper, Ranidel De Ocampo’s trey, Terrence Romeo’s two straight triples, and Calvin Abueva’s vigorous play shots.

The Philippines elevated their defense since the battle with the Asia’s best is always expected to be a hard fight to win. Fortunately, it was a struggle for I.R. Irans instead. Blatche heavily guarding the equally towering Iran star center Hamed Haddadi, resulting to two early floor fouls.

Even though Iran dominated most of the rounds, increasing their lead up to 10 points, and the Philippines continuously making significant shooting errors, the third and fourth round went to Gilas with straight triples and the aggressive Abueva’s lead. Thus, finishing the match with mighty 87-73 conclusion.   

The last battle of the second round would be with Basketball Federation of India on Tuesday, September 29, 2:30PM at CSWC Gymnasium, Changsha in China.