Iran’s national team has regained a podium spot after missing out in 2022.
Veteran forward Alsaran Kazemi fixed his efforts with 16 points, 15 rebounds and two timely triples. Guard Cena Vahedi added 19 points, five rebounds and four assists as Team Meri finished with a 5-1 record and a bronze medal.
New Zealand’s Flynn Cameron fought to the end with an 18-point, relentless rim attack, while Moharb King contributed 13 points and four rebounds.
For Iran, the result marked a proud return to the Fiba Asia Cup Podium, solidifying its position among the region’s perennial forces. After falling into defending champion Australia in the semi-finals, Team Meli responded with resilience and took third overall.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will leave Jeddah with a 4-2 record and a fourth-place finish. The tall blacks were impressed by the Group D sweep and quarterfinal victory, but were short against Asian traditional heavyweights in consecutive games with China and Iran.
This victory will allow Iran to make Saudi Arabia happy with the hardware and rejuvenate.
For the Sotirios Alex Manolopoulos team, the third-place finish reminds them of their pedigree and provides a platform to build for a new generation.
MNA