Asian Clubs Championship, Vroman power Mahram to title

Olympian Samad Nikkah showed the way and American Jackson Vroman delivered.

That in a nutshell should describe the story of Iranian league winners Mahram’s 78-68 triumph over Jordanian champions Zain in the final of the 20th FIBA Asia Clubs Championship Cup on Wednesday.

“This is the happiest moment of my life,” beamed Mahram coach Mostafa Hashemi after completing an Iranian three-peat in the Champions Cup. Saba Battery had won the title in 2007 and 2008.

“It’s a tribute to our teamwork,” he said.

Teamwork Mahram certainly needed, a little more than the normal sense too, pitted against a spirited rival.

“I’m happier for the win than the MVP,” said Vroman.

“All those points would have gone waste if not for the win,” said the American.

“I think the team that defended better won. You can see that from how low scoring the game was,” Vroman added.

FIBA Asia president Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani gave away the prizes.