DUBAI: Dubai Basketball delivered a statement performance in round 35 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague season, securing a crucial 101-91 victory over AS Monaco in Sarajevo and reigniting their push for a top 10 finish.
The team came into the game after suffering back-to-back defeats in both the EuroLeague and ABA League against Maccabi Tel Aviv and Crvena Zvezda. With pressure mounting and the postseason race tightening, this game was a must-win to keep their debut EuroLeague campaign alive.
The game itself reflected the high stakes, with both sides locked in a tightly contested first half that ended 47-47. However, Dubai Basketball emerged from the break with renewed energy and intent, raising their intensity at both ends of the court.
The team produced an impressive 54-point second half to take control of the contest, the defining moment coming in the fourth quarter where they combined composure with execution. Outscoring Monaco 28–20 in the final period, the team created the distance needed to secure a vital win in front of an energized crowd.
Leading the charge was Bosnian front man Dzanan Musa, who delivered another standout performance with 25 points and 10 assists. Musa dictated the tempo throughout the game, stepping up when it mattered most. He was strongly supported by McKinley Wright IV who added 23 points, including six consecutives in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
The result improves Dubai Basketball’s record to 18–17, moving them to within one win of breaking into the top 10 — the standing required to advance to the next stage of the competition. For a team competing in its first-ever EuroLeague season, the achievement reflects both resilience and ambition.
Head coach Jurica Golemac praised his team’s determination: “Congratulations to our players for fighting through the full 40 minutes. We were patient, we were confident, and we never gave up. Thanks to the fans as well for supporting us today.”
Despite playing away due to the relocation of home games, Dubai Basketball continues to carry the spirit of the city wherever they go. The team plays not just for results but for Dubai and for the fans whose unwavering support fuels their journey.
