Despite taking a 12-point lead at one stage in the first half, India lost to defending champion Iran 62-49 in its final Group A league match of basketball’s fifth FIBA Asia Cup at Wuhan, China, on Tuesday.
The first half belonged to South Asian champion India, but Iran, ranked 41 rungs above its rival at world No. 20, found its rhythm early in the third quarter and then went from strength to strength.
Amjyot Singh scored 17 points for India while Amritpal Singh chipped in with 11.
India, which is already through to the quarterfinals, finished its league engagements in the five-team group with two wins and two losses.
The result (Group A, league): Iran 62 bt India 49 (Amjyot Singh 17, Amritpal Singh 11).
