FIBA World Cup: Tunisia is first African country to win in China

Reigning African champions, Tunisia became the first African country to win a game in the ongoing FIBA
World Cup in China when it defeated Iran 79-67 on Monday.

The win, which is Tunisia’s first-ever at the World Cup, puts them in position to advance to the next round. After losing their previous six games in the 2010 edition by an average of 24 points, the North African side weathered a late surge by Iran to win the game.

The inside-outside game of Salah Mejri and a full team effort were too much for Iran in their second World Cup encounter. Iran had won 71-58 in 2010. Michael Roll and Makram Ben Romdhane both added 16 points and five assists. Omar Abada’s 12 and Mourad El Mabrouk’s 11 gave balance to the Tunisian attack.

The turning point came when both teams were tired 15 points with 4:50 to play in the first quarter.
Tunisia scored nine straight in a 14-4 run to create a space that they were able to manage through the rest of the game.

There was a bit of a scare when Iran cut the lead to just five points with 5:51 to play but El Mabrouk’s tree pointer followed by an Abada fast-break finish restored the order.