Iran came up with a strong finish, held Gilas Pilipinas scoreless in the final minute and pulled off a 78-70 triumph last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
This handed the Philippines their second straight setback in Group F of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers.
Behnam Yakhchalidehkordi showed the way with 21 points for the Iranians, who posted their seventh victory in 10 games.
Jason Castro made 19 points for the Philippines, whose chances of qualifying are now in danger with their 5-5 win-loss record.
Japan has overtaken the Philippines for third place (6-4) after its 86-70 win over Kazakhstan earlier in Toyama, Japan. Solo leader Australia (9-1) toppled Qatar, 110-59, in Melbourne
With two key Iranian players out on five fouls, Iran stepped it up with a 9-0 run off penetrations by Yakhchalidehkordi and Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi in the last 26 seconds, 73-68.
The Japanese have won five straight games and now have a good chance of advancing.
Only the top 3 teams from Groups E and F will advance to the World Cup.
Gilas is slated to meet Qatar again on Feb. 21.
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