DUBAI: Dubai Basketball made history on Tuesday night in their first-ever EuroLeague game with an 89-76 win over Belgrade powerhouse Partizan Mozzart Bet, in front of their home fans at the Coca-Cola Arena.
Dubai Basketball opened the game in style, with Davis Bertans leading the charge from long range to give the team an early advantage at 18-10. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai Basketball were in control at 28-18.
In the second quarter, the rhythm slowed down, but Dubai Basketball managed to maintain composure and stayed ahead 47-40. However, at the start of the third quarter Partizan stormed back to briefly take the lead at 47-48.
Dubai Basketball’s Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “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.”
In the third quarter Mfiondu Kabengele rose to the occasion. With a series of powerful plays, and with strong support from Dwayne Bacon and Dzanan Musa, Dubai Basketball regained control with a score of 68-56.
The momentum continued into the final period, as Dubai Basketball opened the fourth quarter with a 5-0 run to push the lead to 73-56. Soon after, the gap grew to 78-58, allowing the team to cruise through the closing minutes.
Dubai Basketball head to Monaco for their second EuroLeague game of the week, and then play their ABA League opener on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Coca-Cola Arena.
