Iran shock Serbia at Diamond Ball in Nanjing

The Asian champions, who have been warming up for the Beijing Games, suffered through numerous defeats this summer and also dropped their first game against Argentina on Tuesday at the FIBA Diamond Ball.

Twenty-four hours later and they shocked one of the proudest hoops nations in the world.

“This is the biggest win in Iranian basketball history,” Iran’s Serbian coach Rajko Toroman said.

“We had played very well in Salt Lake City (at the Rocky Mountain Review) and now we have done this. It’s something to be proud of and something that will help us build our confidence.”

“Iran have played about 26 games before the Diamond Ball and they showed they are a good side,” said Serbia captain Milos Vujanic.

“I think we made too many mistakes and let Iran play their game. We had a chance to win the game, but we didn’t score. We have to analyse this defeat and move on and prepare for tomorrow’s game (against Argentina).

“I think they are going to be a surprise team in the Olympic Games.”

Hamad Ehadadi, Iran’s giant center, was immense.

He and the excellent guard Javad Davari each scored 20 points.

Ehadadi had 20 rebounds and also blocked six shots, an incredible effort from a player who drew interest from NBA clubs earlier this summer when he played in the Rocky Mountain Review in Utah.

Iran led by as many as 10 points but struggled to put the Serbians away and in the final minute, an unsportsmanlike foul put Novica Velickovic on the line with his team trailing by four.

Velickovic made the first but missed the second only for Serbia to get the offensive rebound.

Zoran Erceg would then follow up a missed shot and score to cut the deficit to 71-70 with 25 seconds left.

Oshin Sahakian failed to inbound the ball within five seconds, turning it over to the Serbs.

But Amir Amini came up with a steal, and Serbia had to foul Ehadadi. He made one of two from the line for a 72-70 lead with 10 seconds remaining.

Serbia rushed the ball up the floor but Dusan Kecman turned the ball over with a bad pass. Serbia got the ball back but Stefan Markovic’s desperation three-pointer was off target.

Iran out-rebounded Serbia, who are getting ready for their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying games, 42-37.

Hamed Afagh also poured in 14 points for the Iranians.

Zoran Erceg led Serbia with 14 points.