Dubai Basketball came within a possession of earning a notable road win on Friday night but ultimately left Bologna with a narrow 79–78 defeat in Round 14 of the EuroLeague. The result moved Dubai Basketball to 6–8, while Virtus Bologna improved to 7–7 after edging a contest that swung repeatedly over 40 minutes.

Dubai controlled long stretches of the game and repeatedly put Virtus under pressure, particularly in the second quarter when the visitors overturned a 13-point deficit and entered halftime leading 39–44. Their defensive activity and dominance on the glass — a 39–30 rebounding advantage — kept them competitive throughout, and five Dubai players reached double figures.

Despite that collective effort, the final minute proved decisive. With Dubai defending a slim lead, Virtus guard Luca Vildoza struck twice from deep in the closing stages, the second giving Bologna a one-point edge with 27 seconds left. Dubai still had a final opportunity, but Vildoza intercepted the last possession, ending the visitors’ hopes of completing the upset.

Justin Anderson led Dubai with 16 points, while Aleksa Avramović and Kenan Kamenjaš added 13 each. Kamenjaš also contributed on the boards with 6 rebounds, part of Dubai’s strong interior showing.

Virtus leaned heavily on Carsen Edwards, who scored 23 points, Vildoza added 11 points, along with 5 assists and 4 steals.