TEHRAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan took a great leap towards the 2019 FIBA World Cup by beating Iran 97-89 here on Thursday.

Nick Fazekas had 26 points and eight rebounds for Japan. Makoto Hiejima finished with 24 points and six assists, and Joji Takeuchi added 17 points.

Mohammad Jamshidi had 33 points for Iran but he got little support as Sajjad Mashayekhi was the only other Iranian player who grabbed double-figure with 13 points.

The victory moved Japan into second in its World Cup qualifying group. Japan still needs a win over Qatar on 24 February to secure its qualification to the World Cup.