USA/IRI – USA beat Iran in crowd-pleaser

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - The United States kept on winning in Istanbul on Wednesday by beating Iran 88-51 in an entertaining clash.

The Americans, with an entirely new team this summer, clinched first place in Group B with the triumph while Iran dropped to 1-3.

Iran briefly led in the contest at 5-3 following a three-pointer from point guard and captain Mahdi Kamrani but Mike Krzyzewski's team took the lead for good with 6:42 to go in the opening quarter on a Kevin Durant shot from the arc.

Iran's players scrapped and only trailed 19-13 at the end of the first quarter with Kamrany's six points leading the way.

Though the Americans went to half-time on top, 42-28 with Durant sitting on 12 points and Derrick Rose 11, the Iranians looked happy and confident.

Much of that was because of the great young hope of Iran, 20-year-old Arsalan Kazemi, who led all scorers in the game at the break with nine points.

Kazemi, who plays college basketball for the Rice Owls in Houston, finished with 14 points and raised eyebrows with his fearless drives to the basket.

He also accomplished his aim of hitting a three-pointer against the USA in the game.

The Americans pulled away when play resumed, building a 52-32 lead midway through the third quarter.

But Iran didn't look out of place on the court.

If anything, they looked better than at any time during this World Championship.

Hamed Ehadadi, the 7ft 2in center of Iran, had a game-high 19 points.

Late in the game, Hamed went up for a dunk and was fouled by his Memphis Grizzlies teammate, Rudy Gay.

Hamed looked at Gay, smiled and said something to him as he walked to the free-throw line.

Gay smiled back.

The game was played in a great spirit.

Kevin Love led the USA with 13.

You can see the complete highlights of the game at FIBATV.Com.

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