Powerade-Team Pilipinas failed to ride the momentum of their morale-boosting win against Chinese-Taipei the other day, bowing down to powerhouse Iran on Tuesday, 88-78, in the sixth day of the 25th FIBA-Asia Men's Basketball Championships in Tianjin, China.

The RP Nationals (2-2) played catch-up basketball all throughout the match, with the Iranians (4-0) establishing their biggest margin of 24-points in the second quarter, 38-14.

The six-foot-three forwad Mohammadsamad Nikkhah led the Iranians' charge with 25 points, while Memphis Grizzlies mainstay Hamed Ehadadi churned out 21 points along with 16 rebounds and five shot blocks. The 7-foot-2 center averages 16.2 points and 11.6 boards a game in the tournament.

The Filipinos had a difficult time converting from the three-point territory, shooting only a 37% clip on a 16-of-43 conversion as compared to the Iranian's 7-of-14 (50%). However, they were able to hold their own underneath the basket by hauling down a total of 32 rebounds, two boards shy of the Iranian's 34 rebound total.

The Philippines paid dearly by committing 23 fouls against the opposing team, as compared to the Iranians' six.

James Yap, who had a scintillating performance against the Taiwanese the other day, led Team Pilipinas anew with 14 points, anchored on 4-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc.  Willie MIller, Gabe Norwood, and Cyrus Baguio poured in 14, 13, and 11 points respectively.

Team Pilipinas will next face a winless Kuwait squad tomorrow.  Game time will be at 9 a.m.

(Stats courtesy of www.china2009.fiba.com)