Wuhan (China), July 15 (IANS): India, who had created history after beating the continent's top dog China in their previous game, went down 49-62 to Iran in a Group A game of the fifth FIBA Asia Cup basketball championship here Tuesday.
India made a brilliant start to the match but failed to capitalise. The South Asians sped to a seven-point lead in the first quarter and consolidated their lead to 12 by halftime.
The Indians seemed to lose focus after that as Iran completely dominated the game opening up a 40-23 advantage.
Iran fended off a late rally from the Indians outscoring them by a point in the final quarter.
Hamed Haddadi top scored for Iran with 16 points. Amjyot Singh had an exceptional game for the Indians bagging a match-high 17 points.
India had already qualified for the quarters so the loss didn't have too much of an adverse effect on the team's progression.