Dubai Basketball closed its first-ever participation at the VTB United League Supercup with a narrow 80:82 defeat in the 3rd place game against Crvena zvezda. Despite missing several key players, the team delivered a spirited performance that kept the game alive until the very last possession.

Playing Short-Handed but with Big Heart

Dubai Basketball entered the match without some important players — Nate Mason, Aleksa Avramović, Mam Jaiteh, Davis Bertans, and McKinley Wright IV. Even so, the squad showed grit and determination, proving their depth and resilience against a top-level opponent.

First Half: A Tight Battle

The opening two quarters were evenly matched, with neither side able to create a major lead. Dubai Basketball stayed competitive on both ends of the floor and went into halftime trailing by just three points, 41:44.

Third Quarter Surge

The momentum shifted after the break. Led by Nemanja Dangubić, who drilled two key three-pointers, Dubai sparked a 10:0 run to overturn a 49:55 deficit into a 59:55 advantage. The energy and hustle carried the squad through the period, and by the end of the third quarter, Dubai Basketball held a 61:59 lead.

Final Quarter Drama

The fourth quarter brought another twist. The opponent quickly regained the lead, keeping the margin within 1–3 points for most of the period. With one minute to go, a crucial three-pointer pushed the gap to six points, 79:73.

Still, Dubai Basketball refused to give in. With relentless effort, the team cut the deficit and did their best to make a late comeback, but ultimately fell just short, 80:82.

Takeaways and Looking Ahead

Even though the result went against the team, this was a promising showing for Dubai Basketball. Playing without several core players, the team demonstrated fighting spirit, discipline, and a capacity to challenge top competition.

Crvena zvezda Meridianbet – Dubai Basketball 82:80 (22:19, 22:22, 15:20, 23:19)

Bacon 5, Kondić 15, Kabengele 10, Petrušev 10, Anđušić, Dangubić 9, Abass 12, Prepelič, Anderson, Musa 11, Kamenjaš 8, Avramović.

-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]