FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers: India loses to Iran | basketball news

India performed well against 27th-ranked Iran but lost 53-86 in a Group E match of the ongoing FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers in New Delhi on Monday. 81st-ranked India got off to a bright start with a precise interception from forward Pranav Prince as the hosts took a two-point lead in the first minute. Iran’s players took their time to find their rhythm but once they did, they used their superior physicality to overcome the Indian defence.

However, India managed to stay in the game, trailing by only three points at the end of the opening quarter.

India tried to counter the visitors with fast-paced runs, hitting more than 40 percent of their two-pointers. Still, they struggled on rebounds and trailed 32–42 at halftime.

Prince was the top scorer for India with 11 points, while Aravind Kumar Muthu Krishnan and Moeen Bek Hafeez contributed with nine points apiece.

For Iran, Benham Yakhchali scored 15 points while Mohammad Amini and Salar Monji scored 14 points each.

India head coach Veselin Matic said, “India has the talent; we need more experience. We have some gap before the next qualifiers in November, and the national team will be participating in club championships and many other exposure trips. We Confident that we can deliver a winning performance.” India, who lost their opening match against Kazakhstan 50-63, are currently at the bottom of the group table.

India’s next chance to change its fortunes will come against Qatar in November.

The qualifiers are scheduled to run until February 2025. The top two teams from the six groups will advance to the main tournament in Saudi Arabia next year, while the third-placed teams in each group will play in the final qualifier round.