U21 SGP - Season 16 : Game 1 : Tirdad Kolahkaj late 3 pointer sent Iran to OT, then hit big Free Throw to edge Singapore 86-85
Perhaps not yet for Singapore U21 team, Fortuna Lady weren't close to them to pull the biggest upset on Asian Cup.
Seems safe to win the game when Singapore were leading 72-67 with 50 seconds left in regulation, before Tirdad Kolahkaj start his work. Singapore still leading 74-71 after Ang Kok Long missed one of his FT, and with 8 seconds left, Tirdad Kolahkaj hit his only FG made on the game, the big three point shot to send the game to overtime, right after Ang Kok Long bricked a well contested 3 point attempt by Kolahkaj.
As expected, the exhausted Singapore team were trailed on OT 80-85, but Ling Feng Kong dunks brought within 3, and after Iran's miss, Peh Jian Long sank the big three pointer of his own from the top of the key to tied the game 85-85. However, Kolahkaj again, tricked Ang Kok Long and drew another foul with time running out, then hit one FT to win the game 86-85.
Alireza Dirbaz led Iran with monsterous 21pts and 27rebs, Abbas Jafarkani with 19pts & 15rebs. Both constantly outrebounded Singapore bigman at most. Kolahkaj only have 7pts and 1/10 FG, but won the Iran by his biggest ones.
On Singapore sides, Peh Jian Long led the team with 15pts and 10rebs. Superstar Ang Kok Loong were quiet with 13pts on 4-15 shooting. Second year Lin Chuan Loong were started to excel Iran's bigman. He were defending well before meting down in 2nd half.
Singapore next game will be against another giant team Taiwan on next week Monday May 9th 8.30pm.