Dubai Basketball has secured their place in the ABA League semi-finals after beating Spartak Office Shoes 84:88 in a heated Quarter-Final Round 2 clash in Subotica, Serbia.
In only their second season in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball continues to build on a remarkable journey following last year’s debut campaign, which saw the club conclude their campaign in the semi-finals against Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade.
After a dominant 104:72 victory in Round 1 earlier in the week, Dubai entered Game 2 knowing one more win would seal their place in the league’s Top 4, 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, feeding off the energy inside the arena to edge the first quarter 26:23. Despite the early pressure, Dubai Basketball responded with composure and intensity in the second quarter, finding their offensive rhythm and pouring in 30 points to completely shift momentum and take a 47:53 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 58:64.
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 73:80 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 Džanan Musa once again led the team offensively with a spectacular all-around display of 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
“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," said the Dubai Basketball Head Coach.
Dubai Basketball will next play against either Budućnost VOLI or U-BT Cluj-Napoca at the league's semi-finals.
Barcelona seal 29th LaLiga title with win over Real Madrid
PSG move to the cusp of fifth successive Ligue 1 title
Mumbai, Lucknow out of IPL playoffs as RCB win thriller, CSK stay alive
Arsenal survive huge scare to edge towards title
Dubois stops Wardley in 11th round to take WBO heavyweight title
