Canada Look For First William Jones Cup Win Against Iran
Either Canada or Iran were going to pick up their first win of the 2019 William Jones Cup when they met on Tuesday, as both had so far failed to get off the mark in the tournament.
At the start of the fourth round-robin game, Iran were in the drivers seat behind Mohammed Yousof Vand leading the scoring and rebounding. Grant Shepherd was doing his best to try and match him on the other end, but he was the only Canadian player who scored in the opening quarter.
Canada then came to life in the following period, thanks to an effective combination of high-percentage scoring in the paint and from three-point territory. Their newfound form and teamwork helped close the gap with Iran from eleven points to just one at half time.
When the teams returned to the court, Vahid Dalirzahan took over the scoring for Iran, dropping half of the team’s three-point shots in the game to keep them in command. In the second half, Iran had the better looks from close range, while Canada tried to keep up from the same distance, but found it hard to get around Iran’s defence.
Even with continued scoring efforts from Shepherd (Canada’s top scorer with 17 points), Manroop Clair (16 points) and Patrick Simon (12 points), Canada were unable to keep up. Dalrizahan lead the scoring with 20 points, followed by Yousof Vand with 19, as Iran claimed first victory of the competition by a final score of 72 points to 61.
This result means Canada are the only winless team left in the tournament, and they will have to wait until July 18th for a chance at their first one. When play resumes, the action will move to the Taiwanese capital, New Taipei City, and Canada will be taking on Korea.
Currently in second place in the standings, Korea will be looking to get back to winning ways in their next game, having suffered their first loss 89-82 to the Mighty Sports-Philippines team, despite a highlight performance from Ra Guna with 24 points and 20 rebounds.
Other results of the 16th saw Japan make short work of Indonesia after an unsteady start, finishing in front 88 points to Indonesia's 61. Finally, Jordan put in their best performance of the tournament to date, overpowering Chinese Taipei White and running out winners 93-69. Zane Najdawi had 28 points and 10 rebounds for Jordan in their second victory.
While Canada's chances of retaining the William Jones Cup title are very slim, there is still chance for them to salvage some pride after falling below expectations in the first half of the competition. Check back here for updates on the progress or find out more on the official William Jones Cup website.
Picture: Rich Lam
