IR Iran produced a strong third-quarter display to upset defending Asian Games champions Korea 89-75 and boost their own quarterfinal hopes.

Korea led 40-38 at half time but some inspired basketball from IR Iran in the third quarter put them in control. Crucial to the turnaround was the outstanding defensive play of 21 year-old centre Hamed Ehadadi who scored 17 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked five shots.

Saman Veisi contributed 20 points as IR Iran prevailed due to a mixture of sharp three-point shooting and efficient breakaway offence.

Abbas Aghakoucheki, IR Iran's assistant coach, was buoyant. "We watched the video of Korea's first match against Bahrain and studied it carefully," he said. "In the first half we reviewed what we learned and in the second half we attacked with full power."

Korea coach Choi Bu Yung meanwhile questioned his team's attitude. "Our problem was that our players' spirit was not good. Some players didn't try their best."

Both teams have now won one match and lost one in group A, with unbeaten hosts Qatar topping the group.

Qatar cruised to a comprehensive 97-56 victory over Bahrain for their second victory of the tournament, putting them in good shape for a place in the last eight.

Captain Yasseen Ismail Musa led the way with 16 points while Mohammed Saleem Abdulla was impressive in defence as he made 13 rebounds.

(dohaasiangames.org December 4, 2006)