Dubai Basketball nearly pulled off a stunning comeback but ultimately fell 97:98 against CSKA Moscow in a thrilling preseason test at Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall.

From strong start to setback

Our boys opened the game with energy and confidence, led by McKinley Wright IV who orchestrated the offense and set the tempo early on. His drives and playmaking helped Dubai Basketball build a 5-point lead after the first 10 minutes, as the scoreboard read 25:20.

However, the second quarter brought a shift in momentum. CSKA Moscow adjusted their defense and found more rhythm on offense, gradually erasing Dubai Basketball’s lead. By halftime, the visitors had swung the game in their favor, with our team trailing 48:52 despite a promising start.

Rally and Heartbreak

The third quarter saw CSKA Moscow take control, maintaining their flow from before the break. They extended their lead into double digits, and by the time the final period began, Dubai Basketball were staring at a 70:83 deficit.

But our team refused to give in. In the second half of the game, Džanan Musa caught fire from long range, drilling big three-pointers and sparking belief. Dubai Basketball clawed their way back, possession by possession, until the gap was down to just a single point at 97:98 with less than a minute remaining. The defense held strong to give us one final chance, but Justin Anderson’s contested jumper at the buzzer missed its mark, leaving CSKA Moscow to escape with the narrowest of victories.

Džanan Musa led Dubai Basketball with 21 points, showcasing his trademark scoring touch in clutch moments. Dwayne Bacon followed with 18 points, while McKinley Wright IV added 15 to go along with his playmaking display. Mfiondu Kabengele contributed 11 points inside the paint and Justin Anderson finished with 10 points.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Jurica Golemac. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.

Keep up to date with the latest news on Dubai Basketball by visiting www.dubaibasketball.com or on social media platforms:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dubaibasketballclub
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dubaibasketballclub/
X – https://x.com/dubaibasket
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DubaiBasketball

Media Enquiries:

David Jover

[email protected]

or

Hanan Mohamed

[email protected]