POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Tae-Jong Moon
FINAL
South Korea - Iran 79-77
South Korea held off Iran in a thrilling battle in Incheon and conquered the Asian Games trophy. Moon Tae-Jong (199-F-75, agency: Alti Sport, college: Richmond) nailed 19 points to pace the hosts to the historic title. South Korea got to a confident start. The home team sank 25 points to ensure a 9-point advantage. Iran cut the deficit in the second frame. They pulled within 6 points at halftime 42:36. Iran unloaded 25 points in the third term to surge ahead. They entered the final quarter up by 3 points. But South Korea overcame the challenge and snatched a tough victory at the end. Kim Jong-Kyu (207-C-91) netted 17 points, while Cho Sung-Min (197-F-83) added 16 points for South Korea. Mohammad Samad Nikkhah Bahrami (199-F-83) responded with game-high 30 points for Iran. Haddadi Hamed (218-C-85) accounted for 14 points and 6 rebounds in the defeat.
3-4 Place
Kazakhstan - Japan 72-76
Japan overcame Kazakhstan in the consolation final in Incheon today. Kosuke Kanamaru (193-F/G-89) recorded 21 points and 6 rebounds to lead Japan to the Bronze medals at the tournament. Kazakhstan jumped at 22:20 lead after the first frame. But Japan erased the deficit to take a 42:37 halftime lead. Kazakhstan pulled within a single point at the final intermission. However Japan held their opponents to just 16 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory. Kosuke Takeuchi (206-C/F-85) delivered 17 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. Dmitriy Gavrilov (203-F-86) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Kazakhstan.
