World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers: Iran improve to 2-0 record in Group C

Iraq - Iran 71-86

Iran defeated Iraq 86–71 in the World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, overcoming an early deficit after Iraq opened strong with a 25–21 first quarter. Iran quickly regrouped, taking control in the second period with a 21–13 run to enter halftime ahead. The momentum stayed with Iran in the third quarter as they extended their lead with disciplined offense and solid defensive stops. Iraq attempted to rally with a 21-point fourth quarter, but Iran’s steady scoring and stronger overall consistency kept the game out of reach. The victory reinforces Iran’s strong position in the qualification race.
Piter Girgoorian (199-SF-2002) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Behnam Yakhchali (196-SG-1995) posted 14. Ramon Galloway (190-G-1991, college: La Salle) answered with 19 points for Iraq and Ihab Al-Zuhairi (210-F/C-1998) had 18.