Jones Cup 2015 - The Philippines and Iran have been through a lot of classic matches ever since they began their rivalry at the 2007 Asian Championship in Tokushima, Japan.
From that point, Iran has grown into a perennial power at the Asian level, thanks to its troika of once-in-generation talents Hamed Haddadi, Nikkahah Bahrami and Mehdi Kamrani.
The Philippines, after some missteps at the infant stage of their program, finally caught up with the speed of things and reasserted itself as one of the best teams in the region after qualifying to the FIBA World Cup in 2014.
Two years ago, the Iranian team pounded the Philippines black-and-blue through the inside dominance of Haddadi. However, after seeing the Philippines fare against taller teams so far in the tourney, this team looks fired up and ready to take on the new challenge presented by the giants of Iran.
Big Showdown in Taipei: Philippines vs. Iran (Box Score & Stats)
Iran (4-1) suffered its first loss of their campaign, bowing to the United States Select-Overtake in a match that saw Haddadi taking an off and Kamrani playing limited action. Many believe this tactical move was aimed to give Iran's one-two punch a breather before their all-important clash with Asian rivals Philippines at 1:00 p.m (GMT 8+).
The Philippines (3-1) are on a two-game winning skid and will gun for a third straight win against the Iranian. Monday's win against a much taller and heftier Russians proved to be the spark the Philippines need to better prepare them for another brutal encounter with Iran.
Thursday's Schedule
Philippines vs. Iran at 1:00 p.m (Box Score & Stats) - The winner of this match will take the top spot of the standings in the ongoing 2015 Jones Cup. But more importantly, this match will serve as litmus test for both squads ahead of the FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha.
Japan vs. New Zealand-Willington Saints at 3:00 p.m (Box Score & Stats) - Japan are still winless after four games, while New Zealand will try to end their two-game losing skid.
United States vs. Chinese Taipei B at 5:00 p.m (Box Score & Stats) - The Koreans are on a roll the past three games, beating the Philippines, United States and Wellington Saints NZ. They will enter as a heavy favorite against a still winless Chinese Taipei B.
Chinese Taipei A vs. Spartak Primorye at 7:00 p.m (Box Score & Stats) - Although the Russian ball club will not compete at the FIBA Asia, they have been a blessing in disguise for teams looking for some tough competition. Expect Spartak Primorye to continue their all-out approach against a Taiwan team that has been shooting well since their loss at the hands of the Philippines.
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Updates - William Jones Cup Live Stream & Replay: Philippines vs. New Zealand - Wellington Saints, Iran vs. Chinese Taipei - Box Scores & Highlights - Click Here