Previously unbeaten Iran lost when it mattered most, succumbing to Jordan, 88-84 at the quarterfinals round of the FIBA Asia Olympic Qualifiers in Wuhan, China.

The upset now sets up the Jordanians against the winner of the Gilas Pilipinas-Chinese-Taipei match set on Friday, 6 pm Manila time.

It was a tight game from start to finish, as the two teams posted a 36-35 score in favor of Iran at half time. The two-time defending FIBA Asia champions increased their lead to 5, 62-57, leading to the fourth quarter. But a 31-22 scoring difference in the final quarter propelled Jordan, who previously had a 2-3 record coming into the game.

Seven foot two Hamed Haddadi had a herculean performance for the Iranians with 27 points. The Memphis Grizzly shot 10/21, including a three pointer. Sam Daghles top scored for Jordan with 23 points with a 7/16 shooting clip.

Jordan's win heavily favors the Smart Gilas Pilipinas national team, provided that they get past Chinese-Taipei. Gilas previously beat Jordan, 72-64. The match between the two was controversial, with Jordan placing the game in protest. A miscommunication between FIBA Headquarters and FIBA Asia officials led to Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz being barred from playing, even with the nod of FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann.

The winner of the tournament will get an outright spot for the 2012 London Olympics. The second and third placers will join the runners up from Europe, Americas, Africa and Oceania for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The top three teams from this tournament will earn the final three spots for the Olympics.

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FIBA Asia 2011 Game Results (Quarterfinals) September 23
(QF 1st Game) Jordan def. Iran, 88-84
(QF 2nd Game) Korea def. Japan, 86-67 
(QF 3rd Game) Philippines def. C.Taipei, 95-78
(QF 4th Game) China def. Lebanon, 68-48

Semi-Finals (September 24)
Semis#1: (3:30pm) Jordan vs. Philippines
Semis#2: (8:00pm) Korea vs. China

source: Renee Fopalan - GMA News