Dubai Basketball continued their chase for the top position in the AdmiralBet ABA League Top 8 stage with a hard-fought 89:84 win over Cedevita Olimpija in Sarajevo.

It was another night of character and composure for our team, as Dubai Basketball showed resilience in key moments to come out on top in a thrilling finish.

The visitors opened the game slightly better, with Cedevita Olimpija taking a narrow 23:20 lead after the first quarter. However, our boys quickly responded in the second period, raising the level on both ends of the floor to regain control. Dubai turned things around before halftime and entered the break with a 46:43 advantage.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Dubai Basketball delivered their best stretch of the game, dominating that period 23:156 to build a double-digit lead heading into the final 10 minutes – 69:58.

Still, the job was far from done.

Cedevita Olimpija refused to back down and mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter. The visitors kept chipping away at the deficit and eventually tied the score at 84:84, setting up a dramatic finish.

That’s when our leaders stepped up.

Awudu Abass and McKinley Wright IV took control in the decisive moments. Abass showed nerves of steel from the free-throw line, knocking down crucial shots to put Dubai back in front – 87:84, before finishing the game in style. On the defensive end, Wright delivered the key play of the night with a clutch block on Umoja Gibson, stopping Cedevita Olimpija’s final push. Moments later, Abass sealed the win with a powerful dunk to make it 89:84.

The top scorers in our team today were Musa with 24 points and Abass with 15 points.

With this victory, Dubai Basketball move to a 19-3 record in the Top 8 stage, with two rounds remaining as the race for the top spot continues.

-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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