TEHRAN - In a tight, and at times physical encounter, Iran held off a fast-finishing Hong Kong to win their first match of the tournament 65-52 in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B on Monday.

Iranian Captain, Mahsa Karani was prolific shooting at over 50 percent across the floor to finish with a double-double 25-10 crediting her shooting accuracy to visualization at the Futian Sports Park in Shenzhen.

Iran are to face Kyrgyzstan and Samoa in the following days.

“From last night through until today I have been imaging the game and I tried to keep my focus all the way through,” Karani said.

“My team supported me and while Hong Kong played very well, stayed focused and played together with lots of hard work and we hope to get stronger throughout the tournament, so we can win and be promoted,” Karani finished.