Gilas Pilipinas Basketball

WUHAN, China (5th FIBA Asia Cup): Arsalan Kazemi played his first game for the National Team in almost three years as reigning FIBA Asia Championship winners and defending champions Iran came back into the reckoning in Group A’s scheme of things in the 5th FIBA Asia Cup without much ado beating Indonesia 77-47.

Hamed Hadadi and Oshin Sahakian didn’t take to court at all, and there was no need to, as the rest of the roster each played for at least 10 minutes apiece.

Asghar Kardoust made good use of the extended court time scoring 18 points along with half as many rebounds and Kazemi himself eased into rhythm with a dozen points coming off a 5/10 clip in field shooting.

Tournament hosts China continued their unpredictable run after dropping a shock result to underdog India, 65-58, in the group stage of the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China.

One day after handily defeating a heavily-favored Iran team, China’s team of youngsters showed their inexperience in this one, falling to an Indian team that lost its first assignment by over 20 points.