Alex Konov leads from the front with team-high 18 points on a 4-of-9 clip from three-point land to snap a two-game skid and finish seventh in the 13-team tournament, which is the squad’s worst finish in the tournament since its fifth place in 2015.

Gilas Youth had to endure a slow start with Iran in the lead, 5-39, early in the third quarter before Konov shifted to high gear, nailing a pair of triples and scoring eight points in an 11-2 spurt that cut their deficit to 50-52.

Iran responded with a 9-2 run to gain a nine-point lead, but the Filipinos showed resiliency and pulled off a 16-2 blitz to turn the tides, 68-63, coming into the final frame.

From there, Gilas Youth had all the momentum on their side with Kristian Porter sparking a 14-point lead, 86-72, capped by a pair of free throws in the last 4:27, with that big cushion enough to seal the win for the Philippines.

Caelum Harris backstopped Konov with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, while Bahay dealt also an all-around performance with 13 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals.

Renzo Competente contributed with 14 markers, Zain Mahmood added 11 points and five rebounds while Jacob Bayla finished with nine points and Kris Porter added seven points, six assists, and four rebounds.

Mohammad Amin Khosravi led Iran with 28 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Sarem Jafari chimed in 23 points, six boards, and four dimes in the loss.

The Scores:

Philippines 95 – Konov 18, Harris 15, Competente 14, Bahay 13, Mahmood 11, Bayla 9, Porter 7, Gemao 7, Jones 1, Reyes 0, Romero 0, Nieto 0.

Iran 87 – Khosravi 28, Jafari 23, Amini 20, Beygi 6, Gilkalayeh 6, Kazemizadeh 0, Heydari 0, Zahan 0, Parand 0.

Quarters: 20-18, 39-48, 68-63, 95-87.