DUBAI: Dubai Basketball delivered one of their most complete EuroLeague performances on Thursday night with an 83-78 win over FC Barcelona.
From the opening tip, Jurica Golemac’s squad made their intentions clear: control the paint, dictate the tempo, and make Barcelona adjust. The approach paid off immediately.
The frontcourt duo of Filip Petrusev and Mfiondu Kabengele set the tone, combining for 13 of Dubai’s first 18 points to take a double-digit lead. Every possession ran through the post, forcing the visitors to defend deep and struggle for rhythm.
Dubai’s patience on offense was evident with the team not attempting a single three-pointer until the closing minute of the first half, when McKinley Wright IV calmly drained one from distance.
By then, Dubai had already built a strong foundation with 12 made shots inside the arc, proving that efficiency and control could outweigh volume from long range.
The third quarter showcased the same attacking commitment. Petrusev poured in 12 points, while Dwayne Bacon attacked off the dribble, using his physicality to draw contact and create high-percentage looks. As Barcelona attempted to close the gap, Dubai’s composure never wavered.
“On days like this, you need to show character and mental strength,” Golemac said.
“We showed the IQ to make the right decisions and managed to win the game. Congratulations to the players and big thanks to the fans. They were here for us when we felt exhausted — they lifted us up.”
When the time came to strike from outside, Davis Bertans and Klemen Prepelic answered the call.
Bertans, who had struggled to find his range early on, erupted with back-to-back three-pointers in a 70-second span, igniting the crowd and pushing Dubai’s lead into safer territory. Prepelic followed with a timely triple.
In the closing moments, Bacon powered through defenders for another layup, Petrusev added a smooth mid-range jumper, and a final transition finish from Bacon put the result beyond doubt.
Statistically, Dubai’s frontcourt ruled the night. Petrusev led all scorers with 23 points, making 5-of-9 from two-point range and a perfect seven-of-seven from the free-throw line.
Bacon added 20 points on eight-of-10 shooting inside the arc, while Kabengele anchored the paint with a strong 10-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Dubai’s next matchup is on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Coca-Cola Arena against ABA League newcomers U-BT Cluj.
