Iran crowned 2016 International Basketball Challenge champion
The national Iranian men’s basketball team has impressed the spectators at the 2016 International Basketball Challenge, also known as the 2016 Atlas Challenge, in China, and been crowned as the champion of the six-day international sporting event.
On Sunday, the Iranian squad, which had defeated China B 80-69 in the semi-final round the previous evening and claimed a spot in the final fixture of the tournament at the Suzhou Sports Center in Suzhou, defeated the Lithuanian side 85-70 in the last encounter and clinched the title.
The Lithuanian basketball players started the game in a dominant fashion and were were heading for the first quarter win, when their Iranian counterparts came from behind to turn the tide and outscore the Europeans 20-17.
The Lithuanian players lost steam as the match went into the third quarter, paving the way for the Iranians to claim the quarter 18-15.
After the break, the Lithuanians returned to action seemingly regained in their composure and went a great length to make up the deficit.
The strong-minded Iranians, however, did bow out in the face of the fight back, and eventually recorded a laudable 85-70 win.
The 2016 International Basketball Challenge opened in Suzhou on June 14 and ran through June 19.
The tournament served as a warm-up exercise for Iran before the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held between July 4 and July 9 at the multi-purpose Pala Alpitour indoor sports arena in Turin, Italy.
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