Iran beat Philippines to win FIBA Asia Gold Medal

The Philippine national men’s basketball team battled gallantly before succumbing to basketball powerhouse Iran, 85-71, in the title game of the FIBA Asia Championship.

Gilas Pilipinas had to settle for a silver medal, the country’s best finish in the tournament since winning the Asian title in 1985.

With the Philippines’ top center Marcus Douthit out, 7-foot-2 Iran behemoth Hamed Haddadi dominated the post with 29 points and 16 rebounds.

Hamed Haddadi was named MVP of FIBA Asia Tournament.


South Korea beat Chinese Taipei in the other game for the bronze medal and qualified for FIBA World Cup in Spain.