Fadhil Yunus
Brunei Darussalam began their campaign in Pool ‘D’ of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup Qualifier with a 21-7 loss to Iran at the Singapore Sports Hub in Singapore yesterday.
Iran looked to get on the scoreboard first but a running hook was left short leaving Brunei an opportunity to seize possession of the ball.
The attempt represents a caution to the Bruneian newcomers as their superior opponents collected successive points impressively including a nice cross over conversion.
Iran‘s Piter Girgoorian made a smooth move on the court before finishing out with a nice layoff to put his side 4-0 up with just two minutes of the clock gone.
The favourites showed variety in their shooting range as they instigated a classic pick and roll move to go 5-0 up.
Brunei tried to get into the scoreboard but Iran’s physical size caused concerns to their offence.
Lim Liang Wei finally got Brunei first bucket of the Asia Cup qualifiers but could not follow up the subsequent free throw.
Brunei’s Jayden Chen made a delightful pass to the path of Lim for another opportunity but Iran cleared the ball away in an impressive defensive display of their own.
Chen made an impressive shot to double his side’s tally on the points and reduced the gap to six.
Lim made one of his signature advances and scored another point for Brunei before earning a free throw which he missed.
Iran delivered a two-piece to make it a whopping 12-game contest illustrating the gulf of the country’s strengths.
Lim made another point with a well-taken pull-up but Iran made a two-ball from the corner to take a commanding 17-4 lead.
Jake Chong converted a free throw for Brunei before following it up with a stunning two-piece, but Iran wrapped up victory following consecutive two-points baskets from a seemingly in-form Vahedi.
Brunei, who are making their international debut, will continue their campaign against Malaysia and Hong Kong.
