BEIJING—Iran pulled away in the fourth quarter to seize a crucial 71-62 triumph over Angola in the classification phase of the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Friday at Wukesong Arena here.
Ageless guard Sammad Nikkhah Bahrami put up 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting to lift Iran to victory, boosting its hopes of finishing as the top Asian team in the World Cup.
It was Iran's first win of the tournament, after dropping all three of their assignments in Group C including a 73-65 setback to Spain.
Angola, which dealt the Philippines a heartbreaking 84-81 overtime defeat Wednesday night, was down, 48-45, entering the final quarter.
But Bahrami waxed hot from the perimeter, knocking down two 3-pointers to highlight an 11-4 run that gave the Iranians a 59-49 lead with 5:45 to go. Angola would get to within, 60-57, after a 3-pointer from Reggie Moore and another bucket by Divaldo Mbunga, but Iran responded with lay-ups from Hamed Hossein Zadeh and Aaron Geramipoor to regain control.
A 3-point play by Bahrami with 1:17 left gave them a 70-58 lead, and Angola would not threaten again.
Carlos Morais led Angola with 17 points.
Iran wraps up its World Cup campaign against the Philippines on Sunday night.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
