Dubai Basketball Battles Hard but Falls to Monaco
Dubai Basketball Battles Hard but Falls to Monaco
Dubai Basketballโs historic EuroLeague journey continued on Thursday night with a challenging road test in Monaco, where the newcomers showed flashes of resilience but ultimately fell 103โ81 against one of Europeโs most established clubs. The result leaves both teams with a 1โ1 record after the opening week of the season.
Dubai Basketballโs first EuroLeague appearance on French soil was another opportunity to prove their growing potential on Europeโs biggest stage. Against a seasoned Monaco squad, the newcomers battled with confidence and trailed by only four at halftime, 50โ46.
Strong Early Push
Dubai opened the contest with energy, highlighted by Mfiondu Kabengeleโs inside presence. The forward poured in 10 points in the first quarter, helping keep the visitors close. McKinley Wright was in attack mode in the final moments of the quarter, he drove to the paint and scored twice late in the quarter to narrow the deficit to 26โ23.
The second frame saw contributions from across the roster. Kosta Kondiฤ sparked the offense with a three-pointer and a transition layup, while Klemen Prepeliฤ and Dลพanan Musa connected from deep to keep Monaco from pulling away. Dubaiโs ability to respond each time the hosts tried to extend their lead was a testament to their cohesion and growing chemistry.
Turning Point After Halftime
The game shifted dramatically in the third quarter when Monaco strung together a 17โ0 run. During that stretch, Dubai struggled to find open looks while the home side capitalized on every possession. Despite the gap, Filip Petrusev continued to battle inside, finishing with 12 points and 8 rebounds to underline his importance as a two-way presence. Unfortunately for Dubai Basketball, Monaco managed to hang on for the win, and Dubai Basketball looks forward as they turn to the AdmiralBet ABA League as they host Split. McKinley Wright led Dubai in scoring with 14 points, Dลพanan Musa chipped in 13 points, and Kabengele added 12 points.
-ENDS-
About Dubai Basketball:ย
Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europeโs 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:
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