TEHRAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran repelled a spirited Philippines on Thursday to open their account in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers with an 81-73 win.

This was Iran's sixth win in seven games, while the Philippines suffered their third defeat against four victories.

Iran fly to Tokyo next to play Japan, while the Philippines return home to host Qatar on Sept. 17.