Gilas comes up short vs Iran in heartbreaking loss

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas failed to close the show in what initially appeared to be a won game, coming up short against Iran, 68-63, as the dry spell against the Middle Eastern powerhouse continues in the 17th Asian Games  in South Korea Thursday.

The Filipinos seized control in the final quarter when they led by as many as seven points, but Iran stormed back courtesy of Samad Nikkhah Bahrami to slowly chip away Gilas’ lead.

Bahrami finished with a game-high 21 points to spearhead the Iranians, who also got solid support from former NBA player Hamed Haddadi (20 points) and Mehdi Kamrani (13 points).

Gilas entered the game seeking to end its slump against Iran, who have asserted its mastery over the Philippines for a few years already.

Paul Lee led the Filipinos with 11 points while Marcus Douthit and LA Tenorio contributed 10 markers each in a losing effort.

The Nationals though can still bounce back in the quarterfinals in the quadrennial continental meet.