After seeing Iran's utter obliteration of their opponents in the first three days of the 2015 Williams Jones, Day 4 will present a big test for the reigning FIBA Asia titlist as they play New Zealand's Willington Saints at 3:00 p.m (8+ GMT). The Philippines is also scheduled to resume their campaign, taking on Russia's pro team CPM Sakhalin in Tuesday's curtain-raiser at 1:00 p.m.
Philippines vs. CPM Sakhalin
The Philippines split their first two games in the tournament, winning over host nation Chinese Taipei-A 77-69 in their debut on Sunday and then bowing out to much taller Koreans 82-70 the next day.
Although the Philippines sent almost the same core group that placed runner-up at the FIBA Asia Championship in Manila two years ago, this year's squad features fast and furious tandem of Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva.
Romeo, the diminutive 5-foot-8 guard with lightning quick agility and crazy handles, has been on a tear in the first two games of competition, dropping 18 points against Chinese Taipei and then following it up with a 23-point output against South Korea.
Abueva, on the other hand, has been providing the team a burst of energy off the bench, willing to sacrifice his body and attack the defense like there's no tomorrow.
However, the Philippine would need more than effort and hustle when they play against the undefeated Russian team, who kept its immaculate record following their close wins over South Korea and Willington Saints. CPM Sakhalin is led by Kostiantyn Glazyrin and Alexsei Fedorchok, the top point getters in the tourney.
Iran vs. Willington Saints (NZL) / South Korea vs. USA / Chinese Taipei A vs. Chinese Taipei B
The dynamic tandem of Hamed Haddadi and Mehdi Kamrani remains a force to reckon with, backstopping Iran to their first three wins of the Jones Cup. Haddadi, the former Memphis Grizzlies center, is still immovable in the paint, while Kamrani devastating as always in transition and pick-and-roll plays.
Looking to end Iran's streak are the Willington Saints, who gave Russians a run for their money in Monday's closely-fought match 98-94. After dropping 25 points and 7 dimes against Russia, Kevin Braswell looks to lead his team in what many expects to be another brutal battle at Xinchuang Gymnasium, New Taipei City.
Meanwhile, South Korea will gun for the second win in row against USA Select-Overtake at 5:00 p.m while Chinese Taipei-A taking on their sister team Chinese Taipei-B at 7:00 p.m.
Live Stream, Replay & Boxscore Information: Day 4 of William Jones Cup 2015 can be watched via Live Stream on Sports5.ph or on its youtube channel. Statistics and boxscore information are available on the tournament's website. Williams Jones Cup 2015 wiki page provides info on standings and schedule. Philippines vs. Russia Replay - Click Here
Day 5 Live Stream: Philippines vs. Japan, South Korea vs. New Zealand and Chinese Taipei vs. Russia - Clicke Here