The final games of the 2009 Jones Cup were played last night and the standings for all nine teams have been determined – with Iran continuing their dominance in Asian play.

1. Iran (6 wins – 2 losses)
2. Jordan (7-1)
3. Lebanon (6-2)
4. Taiwan-A (6-2)
5. Korea (5-3)
6. Philippines (2-6)
7. Taiwan-B (2-6)
8. Japan (1-7)
9. Kazakhstan (1-7)

By defeating the Filipinos 85-60 on the last day of the tournament, Iran (6-2) took home the title despite Jordan having a better overall record (7-1).

The finish wasn’t without a little confusion and controversy as four teams tied.

Because of the point system that the Jones Cup uses in determining the winner,   Iran and Jordan (as well as Korea and Taiwan A) all ended with 14 points.  For each win, a team is awarded two points, for each loss a team is awarded one point.

With that Jordan should have took home their third straight title, however Jordan did not receive a point for their one loss when they decided to withdrew from their game against Iran.

In protest of Hamed Haddadi‘s actions that incited a brawl between the two teams, and the subsequent decision not to eject Haddadi from the game, Jordan refused to finish out the game and Iran was awarded the win.  The decision cost Jordan the tournament.

Jordan came into the tournament as the two-time Jones Cup defending champions, having won the 2007 and 2008  tournaments.  Recently, Mahram (Iran) had defeated Zain (Jordan) in the 2009 Asia Cup Championships.

Lebanon placed third as it beat Taiwan, who finished fourth.

Korea placed fifth with a respectable 5-3 record.  The Powerade-funded squad from the Philippines ended up with only two wins with six losses and finished in sixth place, RP’s worst finish in the annual tournament.

Rounding out the standings were Taiwan B (7th), Japan (8th), and Kazakhstan finished last with a 1-7 record.

The tournament does not determine seedings or qualifications, but is a friendly tournament to help teams prepare for the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in August in Tianjin, China.