Gilas RP battles powerhouse Iran

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas has never beaten Asian powerhouse Iran since the former was formed almost two years ago.

The Filipinos will have a chance to nail their first win against the Iranians after losing their first three meetings as the two teams collide late tonight in the 2010 FIBA-Asia Stankovic Cup at the Ghazir Stadium in Beirut, Lebanon.

Iran walloped Chinese Taipei, 86-67, early yesterday for their second win in as many losses and edged Chinese Taipei and Kazakhstan in the tiebreak to clinch the No. 2 spot in Group A and an interesting quarterfinal showdown with RP set late tonight.

The Filipinos finished No. 3 in Group B with a 2-2 (win-loss) record following wins over the Syrians and World Championship-bound Jordanians.