Golnoor 61–71 Esteghlal Tehran: winning two quarters was not enough

Isfahan, Thursday 14 Aban, 16:15, the Mokhaberat Hall. Golnoor hosted Esteghlal Tehran in the third week of Iran's men's Basketball Premier League and went down 71–61.

According to the club's official media, Esteghlal finished the first half 40–25 ahead and held the margin to the end.

First half: Esteghlal ahead

Golnoor went down 13–20 in the first quarter and 12–20 in the second. The hosts scored 25 points before the break, and Esteghlal went to the locker room on 40.

Second half: two quarters won

After the break Golnoor played better, winning the third quarter 17–16 and the fourth 19–15, but the first-half gap was not closed.

The numbers: 32 points from the bench

According to the official match statistics, Golnoor's reserves scored 32 of the team's 61 points, while Esteghlal's bench had 23. The Isfahan side also led 15–14 in fast-break points and 38–36 in points in the paint.

Golnoor made 19 of 35 two-point attempts (54.3%) and 14 of 21 free throws (66.7%). Its two-point accuracy was better than the opponent's, and seven free throws did not go in.

Esteghlal, and the rest of the season

Esteghlal, a title contender with several national-team players in its squad, was better on total rebounds, assists and three-point shooting and took the win.

Golnoor's young team, coached by Aran Davoudi, will look to make up for this result and improve its standing in the table over the rest of the season.