U18 Asia Championships: Iran’s home gold

U18 Asia ChampionshipsHome hardwood and a faithful Tehran support pushed Iran to gold at the U18 Asia Championships in its own backyard. The nation defeated Japan in a solid final performance that ensured the country won its third ever U18 title, following success in 2004 and 2008.

Beaten finalists Japan know a thing or two about winning at home. The nation’s sole victory in this competition remains in the final of 1990 edition in Nagoya.

The comforts of home is something Iran will know much about. Those who remember the 2008 U18 Asian Championship will remember the Iranians winning that tournament in Tehran too. In front of its fans, the team likes to get the job done, which also included beating consistent champions China in the quarterfinals.

Indeed, Iran is becoming a thorn in the Chinese side. Since 2002 only Iran and China have win this competition, although the Chinese still have five titles in that time and remain the winningest nation on 11 overall.

Iran vs. Japan, 71-65

Iran managed to stay solid in offence throughout the game, while Japan were inconsistent at the bucket, ultimately it was the deciding factor. The hosts were strong through the first quarter, taking a 23-18 advantage through the opening frame. Iran dominated the second stanza, scoring 12 and stopping Japan at 8 points. The focus on defence allowed the Iranians to lead 35-26 as the midway buzzer sounded.

After the long break, Japan emerged in a more solid attacking mood. However, it was the hosts who continued to control the game, using a 17-14 third act to extend to 52-40 after three frames. Japan went all out in the fourth quarter and it was a classy attacking display where the guests streamed 25 points. However, the game was out of touch and Iran celebrated the title with a win that was rarely in doubt.

Iran’s pared down roster paid off the coach’s decision to DNP five players. Mostafa Rezaei led the scoring with 18 points, while Mohammad Jafari added 16 points and Ehsan Samad 13 points. Amirhossein Rezaeifar took the only double-double of the contest with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Where would Japan have been without the heroics of Keisuke Masuda. He was simply a colossus and drained a game high 35 points and also grabbed 9 boards. It was a performance fitting of a final, even if Masuda finished on the losing team.

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