South Korea, Iran move to semis of FIBA Asia Cup

BEIRUT, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran beat hosts Lebanon Wednesday in the quarter finals game 80-70 to move to the semifinal and play against South Korea who beat earlier today the Philippines 118-86.

Iran and Lebanon are the most successful West Asian countries in the history of FIBA Asia, and Iran started the game willing some vengeance after Lebanon beat them at the WABA Championship 2017.

In fact Iran played the game with all the enthusiasm needed while the Lebanese weel far behind the level they showed so far during the competition.

The 1st quarter ended with Iran leading 18-12 and the same difference was recorded at the end of the first half with Iran leading 37-31.

But in the 3rd quarter the Iranian players and notably Mohammad Jamshidi were unstoppable and the lead was extended to 14 points.

In the last quarter and despite the huge efforts of Lebanon's Wael Arakji and his 30 points, Iran won the game 80-70 and moved to the semis to meet South Korea.

In the other game of the quarterfinals that was played earlier, South Korea put on one of the offensive master classes of the FIBA Asia Cup so far with a 118-86 win over the Philippines.

Kim Sunhyung scored 21 points adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists to secure his team superiority.

For the Philippines who were far away from the team that played surprising basket ball in the first round, Terrence Romero was the best scorer with 22 points.