Dubai, 30 May 2025: A game for the books, Dubai Basketball edged out seven-time ABA League champions Partizan Mozzart Bet in Game 2 of the semi-finals – winning the pivotal clash 100:95 in the final five minutes of overtime.

Dubai welcomed Serbian powerhouse Partizan Mozzart Bet to Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday night following a shocking loss in Belgrade in the first leg of the semi-final. Needing this win to keep their league ambitions alive, Dubai Basketball prepared for what would be one of their best games this season.

A stark contrast from Game 1 of the semis, Dubai Basketball kept Partizan on edge with unrelenting momentum and strong defensive tactics. Hailing Dubai for their response, Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic spoke about the intensity of playing Dubai at home, “We knew they would try to be aggressive here [in Dubai], and they were.”
Dubai’s physicality and determination were evident from the beginning moments of the first quarter. Holding a narrow three-point lead in the second quarter, the team gained confidence as they landed crucial three-pointers, pushing ahead into the second half. However, Partizan quickly retaliated, with American guard Carlik Jones and Belgian international Frank Ntilikina making an early impact and keeping the contest tight.

Leading by example was captain and Man of the Match, Klemen Prepelić. The Slovenian shooting guard has often been praised for his role in the debutant team, but his performance on Thursday night outshone his previous milestones for the team. Making him the night’s top scorer, Prepelić contributed 30 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist. A scoreline that only another Dubai Basketball team member came close to – Nate Mason’s perfectly executed free throws in the last 14 seconds of regulation time are what equalised the score and forced Partizan into overtime.

Praising the team’s resilience, Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac said, “I’m very proud. We didn’t surrender; we didn’t give up. You could see it in the players — the emotions in their eyes. We didn’t want the season to end, and that was obvious.”

With over 7,000 fans in attendance, Dubai looked more confident than ever in the extra period. Spurred on by the home crowd, they secured the final points of the night and sealed a crucial win to force a deciding third game in Belgrade on Sunday.

“Our defence was unbelievable today,” Golemac added. “I had the feeling there were 10,000 people inside — breathing and playing the game with us. They wanted to succeed just like we did.”

Dubai Basketball now head to Serbia for the final semi-final showdown, one step away from a coveted place in the ABA League finals — marking an already historic debut season for the team with a second home win against one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023 by UAE’s Abdulla Saeed Al Naboodah, Dubai Basketball is a newly-established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s – the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2024/25 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players with the team represented by countries including the Philippines, USA, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Jordan, Turkey, Latvia, Italy, Bosnia, and France. The franchise plays their home games in the ABA League 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 its 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:

Hanan Mohamed

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