TEHRAN – Iran failed to secure a spot at the 2019 FIBA Under 19 Basketball World Cup, losing to New Zealand 87-72 on Thursday.

James William Moors led New Zealand with 26 points and Behshad Arabzadeh was Iran’s top scorer with 19 points.

New Zealand are on the verge of a second consecutive trip to the FIBA U19 World Championship should they hold on to win.

The 2018 FIBA Under 18 Asian Championship is being held in Nonthaburi, Thailand from August 5 to 11.

The top four teams will qualify and will represent FIBA Asia in the 2019 FIBA Under 19 Basketball World Cup.