INCHEON, South Korea – Iran warmed up for its much-awaited clash against rival Gilas Pilipinas with a clinical 76-41 win over India on Wednesday to formalize its quarterfinal entry in the 17th Asian Games at the Samsan World Gymnasium.
Nikah Bahrami and Hamed Ehadadi led Iran with identical 16 points and four assists in the big win that served notice to Gilas, aiming to score an upset against the FIBA Asia champions on Thursday.
Gilas, meanwhile, could only beat India by nine, 85-76, in their opening game on Tuesday.
Gilas stretch forward Ranidel de Ocampo said that they can't play the same way they did against India if they want to end Iran's mastery over them.
"Sa tingin ko, kailangan namin i-minimize ang turnovers namin. Hindi pwedeng mangyari yun kapag kalaban mo ang Iran," De Ocampo told Philstar.com, referring to their 20 turnovers.
Gilas, whose chances to topple Iran got slimmer without Andray Blatche, flaunted a well-balanced offense led by old reliable Marcus Douthit.
Douthit, Gilas' original naturalized player, finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
"Kapag nandiyan si Marcus, balanced ang scoring ng team hindi katulad nung sa World Cup, na naka-focus lang kay Andray (Blatche). Kailangan naming mag-step up lahat," De Ocampo added.
Jeff Chan fired four tripled on his way to 14 points while Gary David and June Mar Fajardo came off the bench to score 13 and 12, respectively.
Gilas-Iran game will be aired 1 p.m. Manila time on Thursday live on TV5.