In a nail-biting clash at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Basketball made headlines by triumphing over the seven-time ABA League champions, Partizan Mozzart Bet, with a score of 100:95 after an intense overtime period. This remarkable victory unfolded in Game 2 of the semi-finals, providing a glimmer of hope for the Dubai team following an unexpected loss in Belgrade during the first leg.
Leading up to the match, Dubai Basketball faced immense pressure. Having suffered a setback in Game 1, the impetus to secure a victory was palpable. They had to muster their best performance to keep their championship aspirations alive. As the atmosphere electrified with excitement, fans filled the stands, creating an unforgettable backdrop for an important showdown.
From the opening tip-off, Dubai Basketball showcased a strikingly different approach compared to Game 1. With a solid game plan in place, their unyielding momentum and robust defensive strategies kept Partizan in check. The Serbian side was well aware of the fierce competition that awaited them, with coach Zeljko Obradovic acknowledging the home advantage and intensity of play that characterized the city’s basketball culture: “We knew they would try to be aggressive here, and they were,” he noted.
One of the standout features of the match was Dubai’s physicality and determination, evident from the first quarter. Harnessing the energy from their home crowd, Dubai Basketball quickly found their groove. They held a slender three-point lead by the second quarter, showcasing impressive teamwork and strategic execution. Their confidence surged with each successful three-pointer, bolstering their momentum as they entered the second half.
However, Partizan was not a team to underestimate. American guard Carlik Jones and Belgian international Frank Ntilikina rallied for the Serbian side, skillfully keeping the scoreline tight and competitive. This back-and-forth only amplified the drama of the evening as fans witnessed a true contest of skill and determination on the court.
Commanding the court was Dubai’s captain and Man of the Match, Klemen Prepelić. The Slovenian shooting guard stepped up in a significant way, earning praise for his leadership and performance throughout the season. Prepelić emerged as the night’s top scorer, contributing an impressive 30 points, supplemented by 3 rebounds and 1 assist. His late-game execution was vital—Nate Mason’s flawless free throws in the final 14 seconds of regulation were pivotal in equalizing the score and pushing the game into overtime.
Expressing his pride in the team’s effort, head coach Jurica Golemac shared, “I’m very proud. We didn’t surrender; we didn’t give up. You could see it in the players—the emotions in their eyes. We didn’t want the season to end, and that was obvious.” His comments highlighted the deep resolve and unity among the squad, which was evident in their determined play style.
With over 7,000 fans cheering them on, Dubai Basketball stepped onto the court for the extra period with renewed confidence and unstoppable energy. The palpable excitement in the arena contributed to the players’ determination, and they managed to secure the final critical points, sealing a hard-fought and vital win that set the stage for a decisive Game 3 in Belgrade.
“Our defense was unbelievable today,” Golemac proclaimed. The collective effort from fans and players alike transformed the atmosphere into one filled with hope and willpower—“I had the feeling there were 10,000 people inside—breathing and playing the game with us. They wanted to succeed just like we did.”
As Dubai Basketball prepares for their final showdown in Serbia, they are on the brink of an incredible opportunity to secure a place in the ABA League finals. This season has already been historic for the debutant team, and their resilience against one of Europe’s most storied clubs has established them as formidable contenders in the league.
