DUBAI: Dubai Basketball cleared another major obstacle in the race for the No. 1 spot in the ABA League after defeating Buducnost VOLI 89-78 in the Match of the Round in Sarajevo.
With this victory, Dubai Basketball returned to the top of the Top 8 standings and moved within touching distance of securing pole position for the playoffs. The situation ahead of the final round is now clear; a win over Bosna BH Telecom would guarantee first place.
There is also an alternative scenario in Dubai Basketball’s favor, as a defeat for Partizan in the final round would secure the top spot even before Dubai Basketball’s final game tips off.
This is the first game Dubai has played under a new head coach following the departure of Jurica Golemac, who had been with the team since its inception.
Dubai Basketball opened the game in strong fashion, setting the tone early by scoring 29 points in the first quarter. The team maintained control throughout the first half and went into the break with a solid 47-40 advantage.
The decisive stretch came in the third quarter, as Dubai Basketball stepped up on both ends of the floor, winning the period 26-17 and extending the lead to 73-57. That run proved to be the turning point, as the team confidently protected a double-digit margin for the remainder of the game and cruised to an 89-78 victory.
Mfiondu Kabengele led the scoring for Dubai Basketball with 16 points, while Dzanan Musa added 15, playing a key role in another strong team performance.
