Iran beat Italy 60-56 to secure a berth in the 2017 U-23 World Wheelchair Basketball Championship.
After an evenly matched start, Italy managed to break away from the 12-12 tie at the end of the first quarter with a nine-point run in the second. Iran pushed hard to erase the deficit and was able to step up after half to limit Italy’s offense and surpass them in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 25-13 to take the win.
Mohammadhassan Sayari once again notched a double double with 14 rebounds and the game-high 29 points.
Dario di Franceso countered with 22 points for Italy.
The Iranian team will face Great Britain on Wednesday.
World-class athletes representing 12 nations, including host Canada, converge at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in downtown Toronto to showcase the elite skill and athleticism that make wheelchair basketball a thrilling spectator sport and one of the most popular sports for athletes with a disability in the world. Over 400 athletes, coaches, officials, delegates, and volunteers are attending the event.