JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) – Iran finished with a furious flourish, holding Japan scoreless in the final three minutes to claim a 78-70 victory in a tense FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash on Friday at the King Abdullah Sports City.
Mohammad Amini powered the win with 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks, wreaking havoc at both ends in the decisive fourth quarter. Sina Vahedi provided the perimeter spark, drilling four triples on his way to 22 points, including the go-ahead basket that triggered Iran’s closing run.
Iran win over Japan on Day 4.
Japan had looked poised to take the game before the momentum turned sharply. Joshua Hawkinson posted a massive double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Keisei Tominaga lit up the scoreboard with 22 points and five triples (all in the first half) before fouling out late.
Iran came out with energy, disrupting Japan’s rhythm early with tight pressure and quick rotations. Forcing five turnovers in the opening seven minutes, Team Melli built an 11-5 lead and held the edge 16-13 after a Vahedi buzzer-beater from deep.
Japan found their footing in the second quarter, leaning on Tominaga’s hot hand. A flurry of long-range hits from Tominaga, Hawkinson and Akira Jacobs spurred a 10-1 run for a 31-24 lead. Iran struck back before halftime, with Amini’s drives and Vahedi’s steady scoring pulling them level at 34-all by the break.
The third quarter was a tug-of-war, neither side leading by more than six. Japan briefly surged ahead through free throws from Hawkinson and a big three from Yudai Baba, but Amini’s fearless attacks inside and Kazemi’s hustle plays kept Iran locked in. Jacobs’ late free throws were answered by another Amini drive, tying it again at 58 heading into the final ten minutes.
Early in the fourth, Amini’s transition layup and Vahedi’s aggressive penetration gave Iran a 63-60 edge, but Baba’s and-one finish swung momentum back to Japan at 68-65. The Akatsuki Japan looked in control after an 8-2 run, yet Iran refused to fade, eventually tying the game again at 70 thanks to a Matin Aghajanpour triple with about three minutes to go.
Jacobs’ emphatic block on Amini afterwards only delayed the inevitable. Vahedi buried a triple to push Iran ahead 73-70, then drew charge on Tominaga for his final foul. Mobin Sheikhi followed with another three, and Amini’s steal-and-slam punctuated an 8-0 closing burst. Japan could not score again after Tominaga’s floater at the 3:58 mark.
The win moves Iran to 2-0, firmly in the mix to top Group B, while Japan drop to 1-1 ahead of their next assignment against Guam. Iran will face Syria with momentum on their side.
FIBA
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