Iran soundly beats China as S. Korea secures 2-1 slate

Two-time titlist Iran thumped defending champion China, 70-51, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Iranians exploited to the hilt the absence of Chinese star Yi Jianlian posting a 26-15 lead in the first quarter before concluding the half with a huge 41-24 advantage. The Chinese managed to reduce the deficit to just 13 points during the second half but their hope was quickly extinguished when Iran launched a 13-2 run at the onset of the fourth quarter en route to a resounding win.