Dubai Basketball lose to dominant Partizan in Belgrade

Dubai Basketball lost 102-72 to Partizan Mozzart Bet in their first-ever ABA League semi-final appearanc at a packed Štark Arena in Belgrade. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 May 2025
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Dubai Basketball lose to dominant Partizan in Belgrade

  • The first leg of the ABA League semifinal resulted in a 30-point loss to the Serbian giants
  • Dubai will continue to fight for a spot in the finals when they return to the Coca-Cola Arena on May 29

 

DUBAI: A dominant performance by one of the ABA League’s most decorated teams, Partizan Mozzart Bet, saw Dubai Basketball fall short in their first-ever semifinal appearance when the Serbian giants secured a 102-72 win on Monday night.

Dubai started the game well at a packed Stark Arena in Belgrade, with Davis Bertans striking first with a clean two-point layup. But seven-time ABA League title winners Partizan were quick to equalize before propelling the team to an eight-point difference in the first quarter.

The home side demonstrated why Belgrade is regarded as one of the most formidable venues in European basketball. Partizan’s Sterling Brown cemented his place against Dubai with a 21-point contribution and, combined with the Serbian team’s 53 percent three-point success rate and 35 field goals, the first semifinal leg went their way.

Despite the scoreline, Dubai Basketball’s debut season continues to impress. In just their first ABA League campaign, they have reached the semifinals — a historic milestone for a debutant club. Dubai also remains the only club to record a win against Partizan in their inaugural season.

“The better team won today,” said Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac. “We lost possession too easily and committed too many turnovers to stay competitive at this level. But this team has character, and we’ve already proven we can compete with the best — including a win over Partizan at home. We’ll go back, analyze the game, regroup, and come out stronger.”

He added: “We need our fans more than ever. Their energy and support at Coca-Cola Arena can make a real difference. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re not done yet — and we want to take this journey forward with the whole city behind us.”

The stage is set for an exciting second leg at Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday, May 29.


Morocco rally to defeat Jordan in dramatic Arab Cup final

Updated 53 min 47 sec ago
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Morocco rally to defeat Jordan in dramatic Arab Cup final

  • Earlier in the day, the third-place match between Saudi Arabia and the UAE was suspended indefinitely due to adverse weather conditions

DOHA: Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah had the final say as Morocco clinched the Arab Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a thrilling final at a sold-out Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

In a pulsating contest that echoed the 2022 World Cup final at the same venue, Morocco twice came from behind to deny Jordan a first Arab Cup crown and lift the trophy in spectacular fashion.

Oussama Tannane put the Atlas Lions ahead with a stunning long-range strike early on, capitalising on a turnover inside the Moroccan half before spotting goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line and sending a dipping effort into the net.

Jordan, however, produced a remarkable response in the second half through tournament top scorer Ali Olwan.

The forward leveled just three minutes after the restart, nodding home from close range following a quickly taken corner by Mohannad Abu Taha.

Midway through the half, Jordan were awarded a penalty after Achraf El-Mahdioui was adjudged to have handled Mahmoud Al-Mardi’s effort inside the area.

Olwan calmly converted straight down the middle to give the Jordanians a 2-1 lead and put them on the brink of glory.

Morocco pressed relentlessly in search of an equalizer and were rewarded two minutes from time when a corner fell kindly to Hamed Allah, who finished from close range after his initial effort rebounded off the post.

The closing moments of normal time were filled with drama, as Morocco had a penalty appeal waved away before Olwan squandered a one-on-one opportunity on the counter.

Hamed Allah ensured there would be no further twists, sealing the title in the 100th minute of extra time with a close-range volley to spark celebrations among the Moroccan faithful and cap a perfect build-up to the next summer’s World Cup.

Earlier in the day, the third-place match between Saudi Arabia and the UAE was suspended indefinitely due to adverse weather conditions, with FIFA confirming that a decision on third place will be taken by the relevant committee in due course.