Iranian women’s national under-16 basketball team has decisively defeated Hong Kong in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship 2023-Division B to advance to the final.

The young Iranians overcame the tough stand of the Hong Kong side, 64-58, to set up the final meeting with the Philippines.

During the game, Ghazal Zamani Dehyaghoubi almost came up with a rare 20-20 outing as she finished with 18 points and 23 rebounds, together with 2 assists and 3 steals.

Helya Houdneh produced 16 points and 8 rebounds with a pair of steals, while Mobina Rahimi came through with a full line of 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

Dehyaghoubi and Houdneh contributed to Iran’s mini 6-0 run for a 57-48 lead with 3:24 remaining in the game to bring momentum in their favor.

Hong Kong did manage to get within just four points, 59-55, but Iran were also able to provide answers. The latter doubled up on defense too, making it hard for their foes to get any closer.

A layup by Houdneh plus a split from the foul line by Rahimi pushed their lead to eight, 64-56, with 25 seconds left to play, all but sealing their ticket to the finale.

Hong Kong will face New Zealand in the Third-Place Game on Sunday.

(Source: www.fiba.basketball)