JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — Iran beat Nokia U-16 Team Pilipinas, 76-70, in the FIBA Asia U-16 Men’s Championship Monday night at the Bandaraya Stadium here.

With the Iranians in superb form in the second period, the Nationals ran out of gas down the stretch to absorb their first loss, putting them in a must-win situation against Jordan late tuesday to keep their semifinal bid alive.

A victory over Jordan will send the Filipinos to a semifinal showdown with China while Iran, which is still battling Syria at press time, tangles with Korea in the other semifinal pairing of the tournament which stakes a slot in the 2010 FIBA World U-17 Men’s Championship in Hamburg, Germany.

Team Pilipinas mentor Eric Altamirano knows that beating the Chinese is nearly impossible – but could be done.

“It’s tough, but very doable,” Altamirano said, assessing their chances against China which humbled Korea by 70 points in their quarterfinal encounter, 121-51.

Against Iran, the chink in Team Pilipinas’ armor was exposed.

With the taller and heftier Iranians imposing their will underneath, the Filipinos were limited to only seven points in the second period to open the second half trailing by 12, 26-38.

Skipper Kiefer Ravena ignited a third quarter comeback and Team Pilipinas seized the lead in the opening minutes of the payoff period, 60-59.

But Iran, with stocky slotman Mir Fattahi ruling the lanes, fought back with a 13-2 blast to gain a comfortable 10-point advantage entering the final five-minute mark.