ALLAN THE MAN

2015 FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP: Reigning champion Iran kept its title defense bid alive after dispatching South Korea, 75-62, in the quarterfinals showdown between two heavyweight teams in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship Thursday at Changsha Social Work College (CSWC) Dayun in Changsha, China.

Iran’s prized big man Hamed Haddadi reigned down low as he finished with 18 points and 14 boards to bring the defending titlists to the semifinals where they could possibly face host China.

The Iranians dominated right from the opening tip, with Haddadi imposing his presence against the hapless Korean defense. That helped Iran finish the period with a 16-4 run for a commanding 23-8 first quarter lead.

There was some skirmish in the second period when Haddadi and Choi Jun-yong had a heated battle down low. The Iranian big man didn’t like the physical play of his Korean counterpart and eventually gave him a headbutt with 2:07 left in the second qquarter.

Haddadi was called with an unsportsmanlike foul while Choi was slapped with a technical. But that didn’t in any way affect Iran as it remained on top, 36-25, at halftime and never allowed the Koreans to get back in the game.

Oshin Sahakian added 12 points and seven rebounds while Hamed Afagh scored 11 markers for Iran which could have another powerhouse showdown in the semifinals, this time against China that is heavily favored in its quarterfinal match against India.

Moon Tae-young and Kim Jong-kyu each scored 10 points to lead Korea which, after being considered as one of the teams that have a shot at the title, will finish just as high as fifth following a third-place showing in the 2013 edition of the tournament.

WATCH IRAN VS SOUTH KOREA FULL GAME REPLAY VIDEO BELOW:

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