DUBAI: Dubai Basketball secured their place in the 2025-26 ABA League semifinals after beating Spartak Office Shoes 88-84 in a heated quarterfinal round two clash in Subotica, Serbia, on Sunday.
In only their second season in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball continue to build on a remarkable journey following last year’s debut campaign, which saw the club conclude their campaign in the semifinals against Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade.
After a dominant 104-72 victory in round one earlier in the week, Dubai entered game two knowing one more win would seal their place in the league’s top four but they were made to fight for every possession in front of a passionate Spartak home crowd.
Spartak delivered a strong performance from the opening tip to edge the first quarter 26-23. Dubai Basketball responded with composure in the second quarter, finding their offensive rhythm and pouring in 30 points to completely shift momentum and take a 53-47 lead into halftime.
The third quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both sides tightening up and every basket becoming increasingly valuable. The period ended level at 11-11, allowing Dubai Basketball to maintain their six-point advantage heading into the decisive final quarter at 64-58.
With less than four minutes remaining, Dubai Basketball delivered the defining moment of the game. A crucial 5-0 run in under a minute gave Dubai breathing room at 80-73 and handed the visitors full momentum in crunch time.
In the closing moments, Mfiondu Kabengele stepped up with several massive baskets in the paint to keep Spartak at a safe distance and help Dubai Basketball close out another statement victory on the road.
Kabengele finished with another double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Dzanan Musa once again led the team offensively with a spectacular all-around display of 27 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Dubai Basketball head coach, Aleksander Sekulic, said: “We knew this was not going to be an easy game, regardless of the score in the first game. We knew there was going to be a big reaction from the opponents. We expected that and anticipated that.
“The players did a hell of a job. They fought all the way to the end, and we were challenged a couple of times, which showed the true character of the team. We managed to overcome most of the challenges, and that’s a great step for the semifinals.”
Dubai Basketball will now await their semifinal opponent, which will be either Buducnost VOLI or U-BT Cluj-Napoca.
