DUBAI: Dubai Basketball took another step towards the EuroLeague playoffs with a 100-94 victory over Kosner Baskonia in Round 31, delivering a composed performance in front of a passionate crowd at Zetra Olympic Hall in Sarajevo.
The game, a relocated home fixture, saw thousands of Bosnian fans pack the stands, creating an electric environment as they embraced a rare opportunity to witness a live Dubai Basketball EuroLeague game. Their support was especially meaningful for Dubai’s Dzanan Musa and Kenan Kamenjas, who returned to the region to a warm reception from the crowd.
Dubai set the tone early and controlled much of the match.
A fast start led by Dwayne Bacon, Mfiondu Kabengele and Dzanan Musa quickly established an early advantage, with the team closing the first quarter ahead 29–21. The momentum continued into the second period as Dubai increased its intensity at both ends of the floor. Musa played a key role in maintaining the offensive rhythm and had already reached double figures by halftime, helping the side enter the break with a commanding 59–45 lead.
Baskonia responded after halftime and briefly cut the deficit to single digits midway through the third quarter, but Dubai quickly regained control. Another strong stretch led by Bacon and Kabengele restored the margin, with Dubai finishing the third quarter comfortably ahead at 83–67. The advantage extended to as many as 20 points early in the fourth quarter before Baskonia produced a late surge, including a 10–0 run that trimmed the gap to five points in the closing minute, but Dubai remained composed to close out the 100–94 victory.
Bacon finished as Dubai’s top scorer with 23 points, while Kabengele added 17. Musa delivered an all-round performance with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists in just over 23 minutes.
The win means Dubai move closer to securing a place in the EuroLeague playoffs in what has already been a memorable debut season for the club in Europe’s top basketball competition.
