News / Sports

Iran defeats South Korea to march into FIBA Asia Cup final

Sunday, 20 August 2017 8:04 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 20 August 2017 8:59 AM ]

The photo shows a view of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup semi-final match between the Iranian men’s national basketball team (players in white) and South Korea at Nouhad Nawfal Stadium in Zouk Mosbeh town, Lebanon, on August 19, 2017.

The Iranian men’s national basketball team has proudly marched into the final showdown of the 2017 Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball (FIBA) Asia Cup in Lebanon after trouncing South Korea in the continental tournament.

On Saturday evening, the Iranian team notched up an 81-78 victory over the South Korean squad at Nouhad Nawfal Stadium in Zouk Mosbeh town, located 12 kilometers north of the Lebanese capital city of Beirut.

The Persians, who have so far kept their clean sheet record unblemished, started the match in a strong fashion and tallied points to chuck up a stunning 30-13 win in the opening quarter.

South Koreans, however, came from behind in the following quarter, and took it by 10 points to 9.

The South Korean basketball outfit exerted more pressure in the third quarter, and blocked Iran’s attacks with a solid and vigorous defense, and won the frame 28-18.

Both teams were fighting point by point during the last quarter of the thriller. Iran, however, managed to widen the gap in the dying minutes to come out victorious in the quarter 30-20, and find a way in the title game.

Iran’s Arsalan Kazemi had 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, whilst missing just a single shot. Behnam Yakhchali had 21 points, and Hamed Haddadi finished with 7 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists.

Sekeun Oh had 21 points and Junbeom Jeon had 20 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists to lead South Korea.

The Iranian men’s national basketball team is scheduled to play Australia at FIBA Asia Cup final 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.

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

www.presstv.ir