WUHAN (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Iran added to their reputation as the powerhouses in the region by defeating Chinese Taipei in the 5th FIBA Asia Cup Final on Saturday.

Fresh off a 76-55 beat-down of fellow FIBA Basketball World Cup side the Philippines, Iran defeated Chinese Taipei, 89-79, with Hamed Hadadi and Arsalan Kazemi leading the way.

Hadadi had 21 points, eight rebounds, four steals and a couple of blocks and Kazemi, who only last week was playing with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Summer League, contributed 14 points, 10 boards and three steals.

After trailing for much of the third quarter, Iran went in front to stay with a basket from Mohammad Jamshidi which made it 54-53.

Iran didn't blow the game wide open but kept their noses in front for the remainder of the contest.

They out-rebounded their opponents 41-27 and did a lot of damage at the free-throw line, sinking 28 of 39 (72 percent).

The Philippines rebounded from their hammering against Iran to scrape an 80-79 win over China.

Paul John Dalistan was fouled by Kelanbaike Makan while attempting a shot from beyond the arc with just three seconds remaining and made all three free-throws for the final score.

It was a disappointing end for Makan, who had poured in 23 points and had only just made a couple of free-throws himself to put the tournament hosts in front.

"We came in using this event as a platform to launch our preparations for the World Cup," Philippines coach Chot Reyes said.

"But I'm certainly not complaining about the bronze medal."

Dalistan was elated.

"This game was more about heart rather than talent," he said.

"It looked like we got lucky in the end, but we gave our heart before that."

The preparations for the World Cup will now continue for both teams.

Once the tournament is underway, Iran will play in Group A against Spain, France, Serbia, Brazil and Egypt, and the Philippines will compete in Group B against Greece, Croatia, Senegal, Puerto Rico and Argentina.

FIBA