William Jones Cup 2015: Scores, Updated Bracket and Standings After Friday

Iran's pursuit of a fifth William Jones Cup title in seven years was bolstered in a big way Friday as its 69-63 victory over Chinese Taipei A highlighted a slate of intriguing matchups.  

The Iranian team isn't entirely out of the woods yet as the Philippines outlasted New Zealand to remain in contention, although South Korea's shocking loss to Japan made the road a bit easier. Team USA also improved to 3-3 with a victory over Chinese Taipei B, however, neither team is a threat to Iran's top spot.

With just two days remaining in the 2015 William Jones Cup, here is a look at how things played out Friday, as well as a rundown of where every team currently sits in the standings.

Friday's Results

Game	Team 1	Team 2	Score
25	Philippines	New Zealand	92-88, Philippines
26	Japan	South Korea	60-54, Japan
27	United States	Chinese Taipei B	95-69, USA
28	Iran	Chinese Taipei A	69-63, Iran

Updated Standings

Rank	Team	GP	W	L	PD	PTS
1	Iran	7	6	1	+87	13
2	South Korea	7	4	3	-2	11
3	Philippines	6	4	2	+20	10
4	Chinese Taipei A	6	4	2	+26	10
5	Russia	6	4	2	+37	10
6	United States	6	3	3	+4	9
7	New Zealand	6	2	4	0	8
8	Japan	6	1	5	-55	7
9	Chinese Taipei B	6	0	6	-117	6

Philippines 92, New Zealand 88

The Philippines needed a victory Friday in order to keep its title hopes alive after losing to Iran on Thursday, and it got one in dramatic fashion by outlasting New Zealand 92-88 in a thrilling overtime affair.

Gilas Pilipinas trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter as Bryan Davis dominated to the tune of 31 points and 13 rebounds for the Wellington Saints, but 38-year-old Donaldo Hontiveros and 42-year-old Asi Taulava helped the Philippines claw its way back into the game.

Hontiveros was the difference in overtime as he scored 11 of his 21 points by virtue of a trio of three-point field goals. After the game, Hontiveros acknowledged he was very much in the zone, according to Musong R. Castillo of Inquirer.net:

The Filipino squad moved to 4-2 with the win, while New Zealand fell to 2-4. Gilas are still in the hunt with regard to the William Jones Cup title, although they'll have to win out and get some help along the way as well.

Despite the uphill climb Gilas have ahead of them, Friday's performance was an impressive one with their backs against the wall, and it bodes well for their chances when Olympic qualifying begins later this month at the FIBA Asia Championships.

Japan 60, South Korea 54

South Korea entered Friday with its hopes of repeating as William Jones Cup champions hanging by a thread, and that thread was officially cut as it shockingly fell to previously winless Japan, 60-54.

The Koreans were on a four-game winning streak after losing their first two contests of the tournament, and they seemed to be picking up steam in a big way. A win over struggling Japan was assumed by most, but the determined Japanese squad refused to go quietly.

Joji Takeuchi has been among the lone bright spots for Japan in Taiwan, and he was once again excellent as he led his team with 18 points. It was a huge performance since both teams struggled from the field as Japan shot 39 percent, and South Korea shot a miserable 26 percent.

Korea stayed in the game because it made 14 free throws as opposed to just three for Japan, but it wasn't enough as only one of its players scored in double figures.

There wasn't much on the line for Japan other than pride, but it ensured that it wouldn't go home winless with Friday's triumph, while also ruining one of its chief rival's chances of winning back-to-back titles.

United States 95, Chinese Taipei B 69

Team USA has had an up-and-down run at the William Jones Cup thus far, but Friday marked one of its best performances as it defeated host Chinese Taipei B, 95-69.

The United States was dominant from close range as it hit 54 percent of its two-point attempts and an impressive 26 of 30 free throws. Former Jacksonville University star Calvin Warner led the way with 32 points, while former George Washington and San Jose State forward Marquin Chandler added 21.

Chinese Taipei received a good showing from Chi-Wei Lee off of the bench as he dropped 25 points, but with no other player on the roster scoring more than 10, the only winless team remaining in the tournament had no chance of overcoming the United States' onslaught.

Team USA was viewed as a potential contender in the 2015 William Jones Cup despite not having won the title since 2006, and Friday's performance was an example of why many were high on its chances.

The United States lived up to its potential with a win over Iran and did so again against Chinese Taipei B, but its failure to put together consistent performances early in the tourney is what will ultimately prevent it from reigning supreme.

Iran 69, Chinese Taipei A 63

Iran and Chinese Taipei A were the only one-loss teams remaining ahead of their hugely important clash Friday, and now, Iran stands alone in that regard by virtue of its 69-63 win.

Chinese Taipei A would have vaulted to the top of the standings with a victory, and although it held a one-point advantage at halftime, it was unable to handle the Iranians' strong post presence during the second half.

Three players scored 11 points for Iran in the game, including former Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns center Hamed Haddadi, who also secured 12 rebounds.

The win was significant for Iran since it preserved its first-place positioning, although it did not lock up the gold medal since a clash with Russia looms Saturday.

Russia has two losses, but a win over Iran would give it the tiebreaker, assuming it manages to beat Japan in its final game Sunday. Iran's win took one more challenger out of the equation, but it didn't end the 2015 William Jones Cup by a long shot.

Iran is undoubtedly favored to win it all based on how it has played throughout the tournament, especially during Friday's high-pressure matchup, but it simply cannot afford to take its foot off of the gas pedal quite yet.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.