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Iran's Heartbreaking Overtime Loss to New Zealand in FIBA Qualifier
Iran watched its chance slip from inches away.
Two point-blank looks in the dying seconds of overtime went begging as New Zealand survived, 93-91, in a gripping 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, Aug. 28.
With Iran trailing by two, Mohammad Amini drove hard and rose for what looked like the game-tying layup. Sam Waardenburg met him at the summit, swatting the shot away. The ball dropped kindly for Alireza Sharifi, who had a clean sight of the rim on the putback. This time, a swarm of Tall Blacks converged, just enough contact and chaos to force the miss.
The buzzer sounded. New Zealand exhaled. Iran froze.
The escape pushed the Tall Blacks to 5-2, pulling them level with Iran in the crowded Group E race and giving them a vital edge in momentum. For Team Melli, the loss cut deeper than a single result. It came right before a high-stakes showdown against Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday, Aug. 30, on the same floor, under the same bright lights.
New Zealand’s backcourt general Shea Ili set the tone all night. He attacked gaps, punished switches, and controlled the tempo on his way to 24 points and six assists, repeatedly bailing the Tall Blacks out of tight spots. When they needed a steady hand, he provided it.
Sam Mennenga did the dirty work inside, battling on the glass and finishing through contact. His 15 points and 14 rebounds underpinned New Zealand’s resilience, giving them second chances and denying Iran easy ones. Reuben Te Rangi chipped in 13, while Waardenburg, beyond his game-saving block, added 11 and a constant defensive presence around the rim.
Iran had its own standouts. Matin Aghajanpour led the way with 19 points, keeping the offense afloat whenever New Zealand threatened to pull away. Amini, despite the cruel ending, delivered 16 and attacked with intent throughout. Seyed Mahdi Jafari added 14, helping Iran trade blows in a game that refused to settle until the final sequence.
In the end, it came down to inches, timing, and one defensive stand.
New Zealand walked off with the win and a share of second life in Group E. Iran walked off with a haunting question and only two days to find an answer before Gilas Pilipinas steps onto the same court, in a game that could define their path to 2027.
