A Gilas Pilipinas side playing without key players Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson relied on its tenacious defense and solid offense as the Filipinos smothered Iran, 76-65, to kick off their Heyuan WUE International Basketball tournament in a rousing start Thursday night at the Heyuan Sports Gymnasium in Guangdong, China.

Young Filipino-Nigerian slotman AJ Edu provided the energy and hustle, while Dwight Ramos, Rhenz Abando, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana delivered the much-needed baskets that allowed Gilas Pilipinas to steal the game despite a slow start.