Iran power for fifth win by beating Philippines 88-78

TIANJIN, China, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mohammad Nikkhah had 25 points and center Hamed Ehadadi added 21 points and 16 rebounds to power the defending champions Iran to an 88-78 win over the Philippines on Tuesday at the Asian Men's Basketball Champoinships.

Iran (5-0) had already booked a berth into the quarter-finals and will meet South Korea for the top placing of the group on Wednesday night.

A 16-0 run bridging the first two quarters put Iran to the control of the game on 38-14.

Willie Miller Jr. initiated a 9-0 run with two straight 3-pointers to close it on 83-74 late of the game.

Kazakhstan crushed the United Arab Emirates 84-56 in the first game of the day thanks to 26 points from Alexander Tyutyunik.

Though losing 82-59 to China Monday night, the UAE were motivated to lead at the beginning of the game by 21-15.

Kazakhstan used a 10-0 spree to take control and never looked back for a victory.