SLO/IRI – Slovenia coast against never-say-die Iran
ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Slovenia signed off in Group B at the FIBA World Championship with a 60-65 victory over Iran. Iran, who won a lot of plaudits for their hardworking performance in a defeat to the United States on Wednesday, hit back from an early 19-6 deficit to knot the contest with Slovenia at 23-23 with 3:49 to go in the ...
ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Slovenia signed off in Group B at the FIBA World Championship with a 65-60 victory over Iran.
Iran, who won a lot of plaudits for their hardworking performance in a defeat to the United States on Wednesday, hit back from an early 19-6 deficit to knot the contest with Slovenia at 23-23 with 3:49 to go in the second quarter before going to half-time trailing only by five.
The first five minutes of the third quarter proved to be their undoing as Slovenia went on a 15-5 run to lead 43-28.
Slovenia coach Memi Becirovic, with an eye on the Eight-Finals, decided to use his reserves liberally and Iran took advantage.
Trailing 52-34 at the end of the third quarter, Iran outscored Slovenia 10-5 over the first five minutes of the final frame and continued to get closer.
They ended up losing by just five when Javad Davari hit a long three-pointer right before the buzzer.
Goran Dragic led Slovenia with 18 points and Miha Zupan contributed 15 while Hamed Ehadadi scored 15 and Arsalan Kazemi 13 for Iran.
You can see a the complete highlights of the game as well as an interview with Iran coach Veselin Matic at FIBTV.Com.
Quotes:
Slovenia captain Jaka Lakovic: “It was a very difficult game to play because we were under no pressure to win. We wanted to rotate the players, spread the minutes. I think we controlled the game, more or less. Now we’re going to face Australia. They are a very physical team and they have great players. It’s going to be a very difficult test for us in the Eight-Finals.”
Iran coach Veselin Matic: “We played the game to show we can play, to stay in the game. We knew they played a hard game yesterday and that was our chance. They started shooting the ball better in the second half. We have learned a lot from this World Championship. The Iran players have shown they are fighters. I’m really proud of my players.”
FIBA