Dubai Basketball delivered a commanding 100–82 victory over Bosna BH Telecom in Round 1 of the ABA League Top 8, securing qualification to the playoffs and becoming the first team to confirm their place in the post ABA League second phase.

Hosting Bosna for the first time in the city, Dubai entered the second phase of the competition at the top of the Top 8 standings and reinforced their position with one of their most complete performances of the season, combining offensive balance with sustained defensive control.

The opening quarter set the tone. Dubai established early control through assertive offensive execution and disciplined half-court defense, keeping the game largely in the visitors’ half. Dzanan Musa found rhythm midway through the period, while Mfiondu Kabengele imposed himself physically inside. Although Bosna managed to reduce the deficit to four points late in the quarter, Dubai’s structure ensured they closed the first ten minutes with the advantage.

Bosna responded in the second quarter, with Michael Lamor Young Jr making a significant impact and helping the visitors find improved flow offensively. Despite occasional defensive breakdowns that allowed Bosna to penetrate, many of the visitors’ attempts fell short under pressure. A timely three-pointer from Aleksa Avramović steadied Dubai, and improved ball movement exposed gaps in Bosna’s coverage. The hosts capitalised by stretching the margin to ten points, taking a 45–35 lead as their cohesion began to separate the sides.

The third quarter presented Bosna’s strongest push. The visitors opened the half with renewed intensity, briefly narrowing the gap behind a productive spell from Young again. However, Dubai’s physicality and versatility proved decisive. Kabengele’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with continued interior control, prevented Bosna from sustaining momentum. By the end of the period, Dubai had rebuilt a 12-point cushion and regained full command of the contest.

Bosna entered the final quarter with resilience, but Dubai’s offensive consistency ensured the lead never fell to a threatening margin; ultimately winning over the Bosnian side with an 18-point difference.

Kabengele led the scoring charge with 21 points, anchoring Dubai’s offensive production. Bosnia’s own Dzanan Musa added 15, while McKinley Wright contributed 13, underscoring the team’s balanced scoring output. The result strengthens Dubai’s position at the top of the standings and confirms their progression into the playoff stage as the ABA League season moves toward its decisive phase.

-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:

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