Iran defeat India at FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier
TEHRAN - Iran finished their FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers Window 1 campaign unbeaten following an 86-53 beatdown of India, Monday at the K.D. Jadhav Indoor Hall.
Five players finished in double figures in the lopsided win, with lead swingman Behnam Yakhchali leading the way with a game-high 15 points.
Salar Monji and 18-year-old forward Mohammad Amini produced identical numbers of 14 points and 9 rebounds, with the former netting a game-best efficiency of 23.
Sajjad Mashayekhi, the hero in their overtime escape of Qatar last game, supplied 11 points. Meisam Mirzaei flirted with a double-double with 10 points and 9 boards.
Team Melli were holding a slim three-point lead late in the second period until Mirzaei led a 9-2 run that gave themselves a 42-32 lead heading into halftime, https://www.fiba.basketball reported.
Iran would go on to break the game open in the third, pouring 25 points while holding the home team to 12 to head into the final chapter up with a commanding 67-44 lead.
A team that shot 47.8-percent from the floor, the Iranians imposed their will on the boards, 47-24, and dished the ball well that led to 19 team assists. They also had 10 steals as their defense forced India to commit 18 turnovers, which they turned to 25 points.
Iran had defeated Qatar 76-74 on Feb. 23 in Tehran.