By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Even without playing, Greece qualified to the semifinals of the Turin tournament after the win of Mexico over Iran (75-70).
Even without Gustavo Ayon, their biggest star, the “12 fighters”, as the Mexican national team is nicknamed, prevailed in a game decided in details. During the first half in which they build a 36-26 lead, the eventual winners had things in check, but Iran came back and led by four (63-59) with four minutes left.
Still the duo of Fransico Cruz (18) and Paul Stoll (9) made all the big shots in the end, while Jorge Gutierrrez added 15 crucial points. Behnam Yakhchali emerged from Iran and scored 20 points but it was not enough.
Greece and Mexico now have a 1-0 record, against 0-2 by Iran and they will play between them for the top spot of Group B in Turin’s tournament.