Dubai Basketball made a historic breakthrough on Tuesday night, celebrating a landmark victory in the club’s first-ever EuroLeague game. The triumph came against the formidable Belgrade team, Partizan Mozzart Bet, in an electrifying atmosphere filled with enthusiastic home fans. This win marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter not only for Dubai Basketball but also for the city’s emerging sports culture.
From the very tip-off, Dubai Basketball set the tone with an aggressive and confident approach. Davis Bertans emerged as the early star, showcasing his sharp shooting skills to build an 8-point lead (18:10) that energized the crowd. By the end of the first quarter, the team was firmly in control, leading Partizan Mozzart Bet 28:18, a remarkable feat against such a seasoned opponent.
The second quarter saw the tempo slow slightly, but Dubai Basketball maintained their composure and resilience. Holding on to a 47:40 advantage by halftime, the players demonstrated poise and discipline, managing to sustain pressure even as the game became more tactical. Yet, the challenge escalated dramatically at the start of the third quarter when Partizan launched an intense 8:0 run, briefly overtaking the lead at 48:47 and testing Dubai’s resolve.
Jurica Golemac, the head coach of Dubai Basketball, reflected on this critical phase of the match: “We were focused, I would say, most of the game. At one moment, Partizan came back, but with the defense 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. 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.”
It was in this intense period that Mfiondu Kabengele stepped up, delivering a series of powerful and decisive plays. Along with the strong contributions of teammates Dwayne Bacon and Džanan Musa, Dubai Basketball regained momentum and strength, closing the third quarter with a comfortable 68:56 lead.
Momentum firmly on their side, Dubai Basketball kicked off the fourth quarter with a swift 5:0 run, extending their lead to 73:56. The advantage only grew, reaching a remarkable 20 points at 78:58, allowing the team to control the pace and confidence through the final minutes of the game.
This victory is more than just a win—it is a milestone for Dubai Basketball, asserting their place on Europe’s premier basketball stage. The club’s determination and teamwork have sent a clear message: they belong among the continent’s elite.
Looking ahead, Dubai Basketball will head to Monaco for their second EuroLeague game of the week before returning home to gear up for their ABA League opener. Fans eager to witness the next chapter of this exciting journey can catch the upcoming home game against Split on Monday, 6 October at the Coca-Cola Arena. More details and tickets are available at: https://coca-cola-arena.com/sports/1457/dubai-basketball-vs-split
