Astana continue their run in the 2025/26 FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) group stage, with Iranian side Shahrdari Gorgan up next.
The game starts on 30 January at 19:30 at the Saryarka Velodrome in Astana. It was originally set for 15 January but was later rescheduled by FIBA Asia’s regional office.
Both teams come into this matchup with identical 3–1 records and are competing for top position in the group. Astana head into the game on a high note after a strong home win over Syria’s Al Wahda. Shahrdari Gorgan, meanwhile, suffered their only defeat of the tournament so far against reigning WASL champions Al Riyadi from Lebanon.
Astana’s only loss in this year’s WASL campaign also came against Shahrdari Gorgan. That game took place on 13 November in Tehran, where the Kazakh side fell on the road. This makes the upcoming game in Astana an important one — and a clear chance for the home team to settle the score.
Adas Juškevičius has been one of Astana’s key players in the tournament, leading the team in scoring with around 19 points per game. Robert Pan has also been a steady contributor, averaging about 16 points while doing plenty of work on the boards. At point guard, E.J. Day continues to set the tempo and create for his teammates, averaging close to 9 assists per game.
Shahrdari Gorgan rely heavily on their experienced core, led by Jordan Hamilton, who is averaging 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Parrish Petty (around 14 points per game) and Mobin Sheikhi (10.7 points per game) also play key roles, giving the Iranian side balance on both ends of the floor.
For Astana, this game will be a real test of focus, discipline and teamwork. With the home fans behind them at the Saryarka Velodrome, the team will be looking not only for a big win, but also for a statement performance that could shape their path in the WASL standings.
Astana had an impressive 88–73 win over Iran’s Shahrdari Gorgan in the FIBA WASL West Asia League group stage. The game was played on 30 January 2026 at the Saryarka Velodrome in Astana in front of 2,516 fans.
It was an intense, high-energy contest that required a full team effort from the hosts. After a closely fought first half, Astana began to pull away in the second quarter and gradually took control of the game. The quarter scores were 20:19, 23:17, 20:12 and 25:25 in favour of the home side.
Astana extended their lead into double digits early in the fourth quarter with a series of key plays on both ends of the floor. Gorgan pushed back and managed to cut the deficit at times, but the hosts stayed composed and closed the game out confidently.
Point guard E.J. Day led Astana with 18 points and 8 assists, setting the tempo throughout the night. For the visitors, Nazarollah Yazorlu was the top scorer with 14 points.
The win was important in more ways than one. Astana finished the regular season unbeaten at home, winning all four of their WASL games in Astana. It also served as revenge for their earlier road loss to Gorgan (75–91).
Astana now head into a challenging stretch of away games. On 4 February, they will face Lebanese contenders Sagesse on the road.
Head coach Ramūnas Cvirka:
— This was a very important game for us, especially in front of our home fans. We started well, battled hard on the boards and did a good job defensively against their key players, Hamilton and Perry. Our shooting on open looks could have been better, but we stayed in the game and maintained our pace. Every result matters at this stage. Finishing first or second in the group would give us a big advantage in the playoffs, including home court.
Point guard E.J. Day:
— We knew how important this game was. The loss in Iran motivated us even more, and the support from our fans really gave us an energy boost. We played for them, and you could feel that home-court advantage. The coaches prepared us well, and our main focus was stopping Gorgan’s leaders. We stayed locked in and did what we had to do to get the win.
