IRI - Ominous Iran primed for championship run

WUHAN (FIBA Asia Championship) - Iran have pulled out one of the biggest demolitions in FIBA Asia Championship history, defeating Uzbekistan 132-38 to sound an ominous warning to their rivals as the vie for the one direct qualification spot for the London Olympics.

Iran led by 24 at quarter time, 54 at half time, 73 at three quarter time before coasting to their 94-point win.

Uzbekistan's Vyacheslav Denisov had never come across anything like it in his life. "Today was a lesson for us," he said. "We learned that Iran's preparation for this tournament and our preparation were very different."

While Uzbekistan are considered minnows in the sport, they had fallen by just 10 points to Chinese Taipei the previous day in an impressive display. Taipei had come within 12 points of Iran on Day 1, making this outburst most unexpected.

Iran's Samad Bahrami was amazed at the result, which contrasted with their low scoring win over Taipei, but said he knew the team was ready to pull out a big performance. "No, never, especially in the Asian championship," he said when asked if he had ever won a game by such a margin.

"We won one game with 49 points and then this game with 132," he added in amazement. "We played very bad last game so we came here today to show ourselves and everyone we are a great team. I think this kind of game is good for us."

Arsalan Kazemi said he was not surprised by his team's display in response to their slow start to the tournament. "We talked about it before the game. Tonight was the night we were going to come out and show that we are the champion, and I think we did that pretty well."

Iran coach Veslin Matic was delighted his team had destroyed a team he considered a skilled opponent. "They played a good game against Chinese Taipei," he said. "Last time (2009 FIBA Asia Championship) we played against Uzbekistan and we won by only 20 points, in the first half it was a very close game.

"I think Uzbekistan is better this year. They have 10 very good players who are Russian schooled, they are tall and everybody can shoot the three-pointer from outside," he added. "But we put much pressure on them and took them out of their rhythm, that is the reason for the difference in the game. I am very pleased."

Iran, who are two time defending champions at the FIBA Asia Championship, finished in first place in Group B with a 3-0 record. They will face Korea, Lebanon and Malaysia in the second round commencing on Monday.

FIBA