Iran earns first victory ever at worlds
August 30, 2010
ISTANBUL (AP)—Iran earned its first victory ever at basketball’s worldchampionship, blowing most of a 24-point lead before holding on to beat Tunisia71-58 on Monday.
Hamed Haddadi(notes) of the Memphis Grizzlies had 23 points and 13 rebounds for theIranians (1-2), whose lead was down to three in the final minutes before theypulled away again.
Playing in the event for the first time, Iran lost to Brazil and Croatia inits opening two games before easily beating Tunisia, now the lone winless teamin Group B at 0-3.
Iran played in the Olympic basketball tournament in 2008 for the first timein more than 60 years after winning the Asian championship the year before. TheIranians defended the Asian title last year to earn their spot in the worldsfield.
They appeared headed for an easy victory after Haddadi scored the first fivepoints of the second half, and the lead grew to 24 later in the period, beforeTunisia’s rally fell short.
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