The first leg of the ABA League Semi-Final resulted in 30-point loss (102:72) for Dubai Basketball against Serbian giant, Partizan Mozzart Bet

Dubai will return home on Thursday, 29 May to continue to fight for their spot in the finals at Coca-Cola Arena

Tickets are available for fans on the Coca-Cola Arena website starting from 75 AED

Dubai, 27 May 2025: A dominant performance showcased by one ABA League’s most decorated teams, Partizan Mozzart Bet, saw Dubai Basketball fall short in their first-ever semi-final appearance. The Serbian giants secured a 102:72 win on Monday night at a packed Štark Arena in Belgrade.

Dubai opened the game with early momentum as Davis Bertans struck first with a clean 2-point layup. But 7-time ABA League title winners, Partizan were quick to equalise the score and propel the team to an 8-point difference in the first quarter.

The home side showcased why Belgrade is regarded as one of the most formidable venues in European basketball. Partizan’s Sterling Brown cemented his place against Dubai with a 21-point contribution. Combined with the Serbian teams’ 53% 3-point success rate and 35 field goals, Game 1 of the semi-finals was handed to Partizan.

Despite the scoreline, Dubai Basketball’s debut season continues to impress. In just their first ABA League campaign, the team has reached the semi-finals – a historic milestone for a debutant club. Dubai remains the only new club to have recorded a win against Partizan in their inaugural season.

“The better team won today,” says Dubai Basketball head coach Jurica Golemac. “We lost possession too easily and committed too many turnovers to stay competitive at this level. But this team has character, and we’ve already proven we can compete with the best – including a win over Partizan at home. We’ll go back, analyse the game, regroup, and come out stronger.”

“We need our fans more than ever. Their energy and support at Coca-Cola Arena can make a real difference. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re not done yet – and we want to take this journey forward with the whole city behind us.”

The stage is set for a defining night at Coca-Cola Arena on Thursday, 29 May. Fans are encouraged to turn out in force and help create an atmosphere worthy of the moment as Dubai face one of Europe’s elite in a bid to keep their dream alive.

Fans can now secure their tickets on the Coca-Cola Arena website: https://www.coca-cola-arena.com/sports/1248/dubai-basketball-vs-partizan-mozzart-bet-semi-finals-game-2

-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

[email protected]