India go down fighting

India went down fighting after taking a surprise first-half lead over reigning champions Iran in a Group A game of the fifth FIBA Asia Cup Basketball Championship in Wuhan, China, on Tuesday.

After being ahead in the opening half by a dozen points at one stage, India conceded the advantage in the third quarter and then went down 49-62 to finish the five-team group with two wins and as many losses.

Their other loss was against Japan on the first day.

India, who had ensured their berth in the quarters on Monday by blanking bottom-placed Indonesia 91-55 after shocking hosts and former continental champions China 65-58, were powered in the main by 17 points from Amjyot Singh.