Playing their eighth game in eight days, Ateneo Pilipinas could not overcome fatigue and Team B of Iran’s Men Basketball Team, falling 63-70, Sunday afternoon at the Xinzhuang Gym in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
With a 5-3 record, the Philippine-side will finish the tournament at fourth place — same as last year’s Gilas Cadets squad.
Besides playing in their eighth consecutive game, Ateneo Pilipinas figured in a 77-76 thrilling victory over Chinese-Taipei A less than 18 hours before tip-off. Still, Ateneo Pilipinas gave a good big fight.
Despite the hot-shooting of Vahid Dalirzahan, Iran B could not breakaway from the pesky Blue Eagles. Ateneo Pilipinas even had multiple chances to take over the game as Iran’s temper got the best of them as they were whistled with two technical fouls in the final frame.
With 1:48 left Angelo Kouame was able to cut the lead down to just two, 62-64. Kouame though could not take advantage of a stop as the Ivorian student-athlete was called for multiple steps in the next possession. A hook shot by Torabi Mohammad gave Iran B a four-point edge.
Kouame was able to cut the lead down to just three after splitting his free throws but a freebie by Rasoul Mozafarivanani again gave Iran a four-point cushion.
With no timeouts left, Matt Nieto missed on a jumper while a long bomb by Vahid Dalirzahan sealed the win.
Nieto led Ateneo with 14 points while Ange Kouame had 11 points and 14 rebounds. Thirdy Ravena finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Ateneo Pilipinas went just 4-of-19 from distance compared to 11-for-27 by the Iranians.
All of Ateneo Pilipinas’ losses came against the top-tier teams of the tournament, South Korea, 3D Global Sports, and Iran B — all of whom are vying for the championship.
Dalirzahan was the main man for Iran, knocking down seven triples for 26 points. Floor general Mozafarivanani had 16 points and eight assists.
The Scores:
Philippines 63 – Nieto Ma. 14, Ravena 12, Kouame 11, Mamuyac 9, Go 9, Nieto Mi. 6, Navarro 2, Asistio 0, Black 0, Maagdenberg 0, Andrade 0.
Iran 70 – Dalirzahan 26, Mozafarivanani 16,Yousof Vand 9, Mohammad 8, Azari 4, Khandanpour 4, Pazrofteh 3, Sheikhi 0, Bahramzad 0, Monji 0.
Quarterscores: 14-15, 39-31, 50-54, 63-70.
