Petrochimi win FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2018 to set all-time record
NONTHABURI (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2018) - Petrochimi became the 4th Iranian club to win the FIBA Asia Champions Cup after grinding out a 68-64 win over Alvark Tokyo of Japan.
History was made and a record was set as Petrochimi’s title is Iran’s 6th in total as a country in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, the most by a country of all-time.
Petrochimi had to overcome a sluggish, being start down 16-8 in the first quarter. They rebounded strongly with an 18-2 run to start the second quarter, overtaking the lead and never trailing again. Alvark put up impressive efforts to rally and even tied the game up twice towards the end, but Petrochimi’s defense was able to clamp down and hold on for the win.
Prior to the championship game, Petrochimi were led by their trio backcourt but it was big man Meisam Mirzaeitalarposhti who shined brightest in this game. The 6’10” center poured in 28 points to go with 7 rebounds en route to the victory. Arsalan Kazemi was just as vital to Petrochimi’s title win with 9 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
Runner-up Alvark Tokyo put up an admirable effort powered by Daiki Tanaka’s 28 points, shooting a blistering 12/17 from the field.
Earlier before this game, the SK Knights overcame the Meralco Bolts for a 91-87 win for 3rd place. The Mono Vampire Basketball Club completed a miraculous come-from-behind 97-96 victory for 5th place with a last second Marcus Keene three-pointer. Al-Riyadi had no trouble beating the Liaoning Flying Leopards 102-75 for 7th place.
FIBA Asia Champions Cup Final Standings
1. Petrochimi (Iran)
2. Alvark Tokyo (Japan)
3. SK Knights (Korea)
4. Meralco Bolts (Philippines)
5. Mono Vampire Basketball Club (Thailand)
6. Pauian Archiland (Chinese-Taipei)
7. Al-Riyadi (Lebanon)
8. Liaoning Flying Leopards (China)
FIBA
