FOSHAN (FIBA U16 Asia Championship) - Iran recovered from a sluggish start to turn back a determined Chinese Taipei, 93-84 and top Group C at the FIBA U16 Asia Championship.

Matin Aghajanpour exploded for a jaw-dropping 39 points to carry Iran's cause in this pivotal encounter. He shot 15-of-28 from the field, including hitting thrice from deep. He also grabbed 10 rebounds and had 3 steals. His point total is tied for third-highest in the competition's history.

Iran actually trailed early on as Chinese Taipei were the faster team from the tip. The WABA champions fell behind, 28-21, after one quarter before they found their bearings and outscored their foes, 29-19, in the second period. At the half, Iran were up, 50-47.

The nip-and-tuck affair continued in the second half, which saw a total of six lead changes between the two sides. Aghajanpour dueled with Chinese Taipei's Chen Chiang-Shuang, who also scored a ton, finishing with 20 points. In the end, however, Iran proved to be more poised, making the bigger plays down the stretch to preserve their victory.

Matin received able support from Mohammadsina Vahedi, who tallied 18 points, while big man Seyed Mortazavi added 12 points and 9 rebounds. On the other end, Chinese Taipei drew 18 points from Chen Kuan-Chung.

The win propels Iran straight into the Quarter-Finals on Day 5, while the Taipei quintet have to play tomorrow in the Play-Offs for another shot at getting their own Quarter-Finals berth.

FIBA