SHENZHEN (China) - Mahsa Karani was the big difference as Iran overcame Samoa in an overtime classic, 76-73, to sweep their way into the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024-Division B Semi-Finals, Wednesday at the Futian Sports Park.
Karani finished with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and a whopping 7 blocks in 35 minutes of action, doing it all to make sure that her side would get through their foes and clinch the Group A top seed with a clean 3-0 record.
First Half Break Down
The first quarter was an arm wrestle with Sanaz Lashkaridindarloo leading her team to a four-point lead late in the quarter, 26-22.
Kira-May Filemu continued her form in the second, nailing a huge three early on to inspire a Samoan comeback supported by her partner in crime, Peata Manumaleuga, to level things up at half-time.
Filemu was on her way to another double-double with 13 points and 7 rebounds already in the books, while Manumaleuga had 12 points to her stat line - highlighted by a booming three-pointer late in the second.
For Iran, Karani had 10 points and running at an efficiency of 11.
Queens of Court Stood Tall in the Second Half
Both teams started the second half with physicality, pace and urgency. Lea-Bella Foa'i-Auimatagi stood up early for Samoa with some quick and easy deuces to edge in front but Iran was having none of it, with Karani once again digging deep with the support of Zahra Zarei and Sanaz Lashkaridindarloo.
Filemu was once again an absolute warrior coping the full force of Iran's defensive pressure and earned free-throws at the end of the third to give Samoa a one point advantage heading into the final quarter 53-52.
The final quarter was a carbon copy of the previous three with both teams not giving an inch. It was brutal at times with bodies being thrown in all directions, epic shots being made and easy ones missed. End result was 66-66. OT required.
Overtime It Was
Iran had the heart and legs in the deciding five minutes of overtime with Zahra Zarei, Ghazal Zamani Dehyaghoubi, Seyedeh Sarina Hoseini Tirtashi, and of course, Karani all finding the net as they took control for good.
"It was a really tough game, but a really good game for us and to beat them in overtime was a good result for us," Karani said. "It was a really good game for our body conditioning and training, we just listened to our coach and did what she asked."
All of us 12 players played like a team, and we worked hard for this win.
Unsung Hero
Ghazal Zamani Dehyaghoubi owned anything and everything under the net to finish with 15 rebounds, 8 of which were offensive and 7 defensive, 9 points and 6 assists.
Group Phase Done and Dusted
Rounding out Group A, Hong Kong China defeated Kyrgyzstan, 57-34, with Nga Ting Wong leading the way with 13 points and 14 rebounds, together with 5 steals.
While in Group B, Lebanon defeated the Maldives in a convincing display 102-21. Reem El Ghali ran at an efficiency of 30 and was a standout with 17 points, 16 rebounds and 2 steals.
FIBA