HANGZHOU, China – For Gilas coach Tim Cone, time has changed the landscape of Asian basketball for the better.

That was the strong belief of Cone, who handled the star-studded Centennial Team 25 years ago that suffered crushing defeats to China and even South Korea.

That time, he was putting more emphasis on the mighty Chinese squad rather than Korea. Iran and Jordan were not part of their equation.

For the revered Ginebra coach,  it’s a whole new ballgame right now. 

“Twenty five years ago, different teams, different people, the teams had gotten so much better. I tell you what,” said Cone moments after the team’s harrowing 84-83 win over Iran on Tuesday.

If not for the heroics of Justin Brownlee, the Nationals would be on their way home now with heads bowing in utter embarrassment after squandering the 21-point advantage.

Good thing, despite the dreaded box-and-one defense on him, Brownlee still managed to get away and score the game-winning basket that sparked an electric atmosphere that saw PBA Commissioner whooping in sheer delight along with team manager Alfrancis Chua and Sen. Bong Go

Turning serious, Cone never imagined – even in his wildest dream – about Iran.

He was almost caught flat-footed.

“We’ll just beat them up and then go on to the next game,” said Cone.

But on Tuesday, they agonized and almost teetered on brink elimination before Brownlee remembered the never-say-die spirit and took matters into his own hands.

That was enough to stop Iran from its track that drew a concerted heave of relief from their supporters and saw some of Iranians cry unabashedly after allowing a great come-from-behind win slip the away from their hands.

“Iran is really that good. Jordan is another team that we wouldn’t bother with, we would have beat them easy in 1998. Teams have all gotten better and it’s a struggle this time out.”