Dubai Basketball has etched their name in the annals of sports history by clinching a victorious win in their very first EuroLeague game. Taking place at the illustrious Coca-Cola Arena, the home team triumphed over Partizan Belgrade with a score of 89-76, marking a remarkable start in this prestigious European basketball competition.
The game kicked off with an electrifying performance from Dubai’s very own Latvian sharpshooter, Davis Bertans. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, Bertans scored 20 points on a mere eight shots. His early onslaught included two three-pointers and a long two-pointer, swiftly propelling Dubai to an eight-point lead. By the end of the first quarter, that lead had expanded to an impressive 10 points, setting a dominant tone for the remainder of the match.
As the second period unfolded, Partizan Belgrade mounted a persistent challenge, chipping away at Dubai’s advantage. However, it was Dubai’s Bosnian guard Dzanan Musa who reignited the home team’s momentum. Musa, who contributed 19 points, unleashed a crucial three-pointer, pushing the score to a commanding 41-27. Despite this, the visitors showed resilience, particularly in rebounding, with forward Isaac Bonga—who recently led Germany to EuroBasket glory—snagging four offensive rebounds. Guard Shake Milton also added a dynamic three-point play, helping Partizan close in as the half wrapped up with Dubai holding a 47-40 lead.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Partizan opened with an eight-point streak, briefly earning the only lead of the game. However, Dubai’s head coach, Jurica Golemac, quickly called a timeout to halt their surge. Responding with renewed vigor, Dubai seized control once more, with center Mfiondu Kabengele dominating the paint. Kabengele’s athletic prowess was on full display, as he powered through with three emphatic dunks, accumulating 15 points and allowing his team to finish the quarter ahead by 12 points.
Dubai’s stronghold on the game persisted into the final quarter. Early in the period, the home team scored the first five points, highlighted by another Bertans three-pointer and a two-pointer from Serbian forward Filip Petrusev, who himself added 14 valuable points. This rapid scoring burst solidified Dubai’s control and ultimately sealed their historic victory.
The significance of the win was not lost on Dubai’s Croatian coach, Jurica Golemac. Reflecting on the match, he emphasized, “We were focused, I would say, most of the game. At one moment, Partizan came back, but with defence, we managed to get back, to take the lead, and to come peacefully to the win in the end. It is a very important win for us.” Golemac underscored the morale boost the victory provides: “To win at home is very important. We have a very tough schedule, but for the confidence and the knowledge that we can play with everybody if we play together, this win means a lot.”
Looking ahead, Dubai Basketball will take their fight to the road, with their second EuroLeague game scheduled against Monaco on Friday. Following that, they will return to the Coca-Cola Arena to open their ABA League campaign against Croatia’s Split on Monday, promising more thrilling basketball action for their fans.
This victory marks a momentous occasion for Dubai Basketball, showcasing their talent and resilience on one of Europe’s biggest stages, signaling a bright future for the team in the EuroLeague and beyond.
