Dubai Basketball are heading to the 2026 ABA League Semi-Finals! Our boys defeated Spartak Office Shoes on the road in Subotica by 88:84 in Game 2 of the Quarter-Finals to close the series with a 2-0 score and secure another place among the top 4 teams in the competition.

Just like last season, Dubai Basketball have reached the Semi-Finals, but this victory definitely did not come easy. Spartak Office Shoes delivered a very strong performance in front of their home crowd and pushed Dubai Basketball all the way until the final minutes. Still, just as so many times throughout the season, Dubai Basketball showed winning mentality and produced their best basketball when it mattered the most.

The hosts had a slightly better start and finished the opening quarter in front by 26:23. Yet, Dubai Basketball responded in style in the second quarter with excellent offensive rhythm, scoring 30 points in the period to completely turn things around and take a 53:47 lead by halftime.

The third quarter then turned into a defensive battle. Both sides tightened up at the defensive end and points became much harder to score. The period ended tied at 11:11, which meant Dubai Basketball kept their 6-point advantage entering the decisive quarter – 64:58.

The key moments happened with less than four minutes remaining in the game. At that point, the score was 75:73, while then Dubai Basketball made the crucial push. In less than a minute, our boys created a huge 5:0 run to increase the gap to 80:73 and gain full momentum in crunch time.

In the remaining minutes, Mfiondu Kabengele stepped up with several massive buckets inside the paint to keep the team at a safe distance and help Dubai Basketball successfully finish the job in Subotica.

Kabengele recorded another double-double performance with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Džanan Musa once again led the way offensively with a spectacular all-around display of 27 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

Dubai Basketball will now wait to see their Semi-Finals opponent, which will be either Budućnost VOLI or U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

-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

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or

Hanan Mohamed

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