Iran/Uzbekistan - Iran strut their way past Uzbekistan into semifinals

TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): For the first time in the competition, Iran flexed their muscle early on in a game and left Uzbekistan their rivals in Thursday’s quarterfinal game at the 4th FIBA Asia Cup with very little chance. Iran’s 79-37 win with an all-round effort in all departments, kept their unbeaten status in the competition intact with the former twice FIBA Asia champions posting their fifth win in as many games.

Iran coach Memi Becirovic was obviously pleased with the team’s effort, particularly the way the defense coped in the second quarter, when they shut Uzbekistan for merely three points whilst themselves scoring 15.

Becirovic however shrugged off suggestions if Iran had played full blast for the first time.

“Well we have wanted to play like this right through. But somehow we haven’t been able to,” said the Slovenian who is on his first international assignment with the Iran team.

“We have been giving the youngsters in the team a lot of court time. And for the first time they fired they way we wanted and the way they should,” he added.

Asghar Kardoust (pic above) was the highest scorer for Iran with a  dozen points, in a line-up that saw all but Oshin Sahakian score.

Samad Bahrami and Hamed Afagh two of the more experienced players in the team, thus didn’t have to bail Iran out like they had in all the Prelim Round games.

“That’s a good improvement,” said Becirovic.

“We can’t depend only two players to deliver all the time. It’s unfair. Today, we were able to finish our job without having to depend on them. That’s certainly a good progress for us,” he added.

“I think these guys delivered today,” said Bahrami.

“They are growing in confidence with every game. Talent-wise there never was any doubt. It was always about the experience. Now they are going in that too. It’s good for Iran basketball,” he added.

Iran await the winners of the ongoing game between Chinese Taipei and Philippines.

-Source: FIBA Asia