Iran opened the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Olympic qualifying tournament campaign with a 78-53 defeat to Greece at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy on Monday.

Former Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, had 16 points and 4 rebounds for Iran.

Giannis Antetokounmpo from Iran finished with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.

Iran will play Mexico on Tuesday.

Six teams are split into two groups for a FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Turin, Italy. Group A has Greece, Mexico and Iran, Group B has Tunisia, Croatia and Italy.

The top two countries in each group in each tournament will advance to the semi-finals.

The winners of each event will fill the three remaining places in the basketball tournament at Rio 2016.

Nine teams have already punched their ticket to Rio de Janeiro.