Dubai Basketball made an unforgettable entrance onto the EuroLeague stage with a historic victory that sent waves of excitement through the city of Dubai. On a night brimming with passion and pride, the club secured their first-ever EuroLeague win by toppling the formidable Belgrade giants, Partizan Mozzart Bet, in front of an electrified home crowd. This moment was more than just a game; it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for both the team and the burgeoning basketball culture in Dubai.
From the tip-off, Dubai Basketball demonstrated their intent with an aggressive and confident approach. Davis Bertans quickly emerged as the sharpshooter leading the team’s offensive charge, helping carve out an impressive early lead with his long-range accuracy. The first quarter closed with Dubai Basketball holding a comfortable 28:18 advantage, signaling their dominance and setting the tone for the rest of the contest.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, the tempo settled into a more strategic rhythm. Despite Partizan Mozzart Bet’s attempts to claw back into the game, Dubai Basketball maintained their composure and continued to control the scoreboard. They entered halftime firmly in the lead, holding a 47:40 margin that reflected both their skill and tactical discipline.
The third quarter brought the night’s biggest test. Partizan Mozzart Bet launched an intense comeback effort, orchestrating an 8:0 run that briefly put them ahead at 48:47. The shift seemed ominous, but Dubai’s resilience was on full display. Head Coach Jurica Golemac praised his team’s focus, noting their capacity to regain momentum through strong defensive efforts. His confidence in the group’s ability to compete at the highest level was clear, underscoring the significance of winning on home soil against a top-tier opponent.
A pivotal moment came courtesy of Mfiondu Kabengele, whose dynamic plays energized the team and reignited the crowd’s enthusiasm. Backed by standout performances from Dwayne Bacon and Džanan Musa, Dubai Basketball swiftly reclaimed control. By the end of the third quarter, they had stretched their lead to an impressive 68:56, establishing themselves as the dominant force on the court.
The team carried their momentum into the final quarter with a determined 5:0 run, pushing their advantage even further to 73:56. The gap soon widened to 20 points, effectively securing the victory and allowing Dubai Basketball to manage the game’s closing moments with confidence and poise.
This victory was a landmark achievement — not just for the club’s record books but as a declaration that Dubai Basketball is a serious contender on Europe’s grandest basketball stage. It’s a powerful statement about their growing stature and ambition in the sport.
Looking ahead, Dubai Basketball’s EuroLeague journey continues with an away game in Monaco, followed by their ABA League opener at home on Monday, 6 October, hosted at the state-of-the-art Coca-Cola Arena. Fans eager to witness the team’s continued rise can catch the live action and support Dubai Basketball as they build on this historic win. Details about the upcoming game against Split are available at the Coca-Cola Arena’s official website, making it easy for supporters to stay updated and engaged.
