JUNE Mar Fajardo provided the spark as Gilas Pilipinas overcome yet another slow start to grab a 36-34 lead at halftime against Iran on Sunday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Just like in the opening match against Jordan, Gilas took some time to get going and trailed, 18-5, in the first quarter. The hosts didn't mount a comeback until Fajardo came off the bench in possibly his final game with the national team.
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Fajardo scored six points, four from the free-throw line, while Dwight Ramos added seven quick points as Gilas went on an 11-0 run to seize the lead, 32-29.
Ramos made that go-ahead three off a steal as the crowd came alive as Fajardo drew cheers and even chants of 'MVP' from the home crowd.
Ramos scored nine points to end the first half, while Kai Sotto had seven points and seven rebounds for the Philippines, which shot just 2-of-13 from the field in the first two quarters.
Mobin Sheikhi had 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range, allowing Iran to take a 29-21 lead.
Two free throws by Ramos got Gilas ahead by two points at the half.
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