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FIBA World Cup: Shock Japan win vs. heralded Iran highlights Asian qualifiers

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<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/tvpatrol/09/17/20180917-fiba.jpg"/><figcaption>Japan has won 4 straight games in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers — 2 of those against Australia and Iran, the finalists in last year&#x27;s FIBA Asia Cup. Courtesy of FIBA website</figcaption></figure></div>Rui Hachimura scored 25 points, and Japan outscored Iran by plus-18 points in the third quarter to run away with a 70-56 win over the former 3-time continental champion in the Asian qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Monday.The Akatsuki 5, which barely made it past the opening round qualifiers, <a href="http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019/asian-qualifiers/news/japan-extend-win-streak-after-cutting-down-iran">has won 4 straight</a> to raise its record to 4-4, just a game behind the Philippines, which downed Qatar later in the day.Iran is coming off an 8-point win over the Filipinos in Tehran, and its loss to the Japanese in Tokyo came without stars Hamed Haddadi and Samad Nikkhah Bahrami.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/17/18/fiba-world-cup-philippines-bucks-cold-shooting-to-down-qatar-stop-skid">FIBA World Cup: Philippines bucks cold shooting to down Qatar, stop skid</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/17/18/fiba-world-cup-japeth-aguilar-deflects-credit-for-second-half-takeover">FIBA World Cup: Japeth Aguilar deflects credit for second half takeover</a></li></ul>Haddadi played barely a minute against the Philippines.The defeat meant the Iranians fell to solo second in Group F with a 5-2 record, behind the 6-1 card by Australia, which shellacked Kazakhstan 94-41 at home Bendigo.Kazakhstan dropped to 3-5, while Qatar remained in last place with a 2-6 record.In tough Group E, New Zealand defended home court with a 63-60 win over Lebanon in Rotorua for a 7-1 record. The two sides entered their game tied with a 6-1 mark.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/18/18/fiba-world-cup-closed-door-game-surreal-for-coach-yeng-guiao">FIBA World Cup: Closed-door game, ‘surreal’ for coach Yeng Guiao</a></li></ul>Korea had little trouble against Syria in a 103-66 rout in Goyang, tying Lebanon with a 6-2 card.China beat Jordan 88-79 in Beijing, but the reigning Asian Games champions stayed in fifth place (4-4).Jordan is at 5-3, while Syria is last in the group at 2-6.<div>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.</div>

Rui Hachimura scored 25 points, and Japan used a strong third quarter to beat Iran 70-56 in the Asian qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Monday.

Rui Hachimura scored 25 points, and Japan used a strong third quarter to beat Iran 70-56 in the Asian qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Monday.