Coca-Cola Arena welcomed a sold-out crowd of over 5,200 spectators on Monday evening for what some officials are calling the best Dubai Basketball game this season.

2 lucky Dubai Basketball fans were awarded the ultimate fan surprise – a trip to Montenegro to travel alongside the team and cheer them on at their next away game.

Dubai, 19 March 2025: In an incredible 40-minute display of pure athleticism, Dubai Basketball delivered one of their most dominant performances yet, handing ABA League leaders, Partizan Mozzart Bet, just their third loss of the season with a final score of 80-72.

With one of the most impressive defensive performances, Dubai Basketball showcased their skill and determination, holding heavily favored Partizan to 72 points. Dubai Basketball’s team captain, Klemen Prepelič, electrified the record-breaking crowd, sealing the win in dramatic fashion as the Slovenian shooting guard scored a game-changing nine points in the final five minutes.

Speaking on tonight’s historical win, Dubai Basketball Coach Jurica Golemac commented ‘’It was a big win. A big, big, big win for us. I need to really give the credit to the players. They were hustling 40 minutes defensively; it was an incredible defense.’’

We lost a little bit of offensive control in some moments, but defensively it was an almost perfect 40 minutes. And this is the way we need to be to win against big teams. And one more time – I need to congratulate the fans. They were great today. They gave us this win.’’

Vice champions of the 2024 season, Partizan Mozzart Bet is one of Europe’s most decorated basketball teams and currently sits atop the ABA League Regular Season table. With just two points separating them from Dubai Basketball, now in third place, the stakes continue to rise as the league’s newest team cements its reputation as a championship contender.

Further adding to the excitement of the night, Dubai Basketball had the honor of welcoming some of the most influential figures in professional basketball. Among the esteemed guests were Paulius Motiejūnas, CEO of EuroLeague, whose leadership continues to shape the future of European basketball; Josep Cubells, President of FC Barcelona Basketball, representing one of the sport’s most storied clubs; Ostoja Mijailović, President of Partizan Mozzart Bet, and Zoran Savić, Director of Partizan Mozzart Bet, showcasing their support for their team as they faced Dubai Basketball away for the first time.

Promised to be one of the biggest home games of the season, Dubai Basketball delivered a showcase of pure entertainment. From unmissable on-court basketball to unforgettable fan moments, the team’s third game this month was the biggest one yet. Bringing in over 5,200 spectators from around the world, Dubai Basketball is immensely devoted to their loyal fanbase.

Among the crowd were two particularly lucky supporters, father and son duo, Can and Efe Tamyaman, who were treated to the ultimate fan surprise. In a moment of pure excitement, the pair was awarded an all-expenses-paid trip of a lifetime to Montenegro, where they will fly privately with the Dubai Basketball team to experience first-hand the away game versus Mornar this April.

With momentum on their side, Dubai Basketball is determined to continue their impressive run in the league. For the fourth and final home game of the month, Dubai will welcome FMP Soccerbet to Coca-Cola Arena on 29 March for what’s sure to be another hair-raising thriller. Fans can find more information on tickets here.

-ENDS-

For more information and media enquiries please contact: 

Coca-Cola Arena

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About Coca-Cola Arena

Opened in June 2019, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionized the live entertainment industry in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. Capable of hosting live shows 365 days a year, the fully air-conditioned, 17,000-capacity arena establishes Dubai as a major destination on the global events circuit. Coca-Cola Arena’s unique automated seating design means it can be adapted to international and local events of all sizes, from international touring artists, sporting tournaments, e-gaming, comedy and live theatre and musical performances, to conferences, gala dinners, AGMs and weddings. Located in the heart of City Walk, Dubai’s lifestyle destination, Coca-Cola Arena is a 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 5-minute walk from the closest Dubai Metro Station. The region’s largest multipurpose indoor arena, Coca-Cola Arena is an asset of Dubai Holding entertainment portfolio and is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company.

Follow us on Instagram: @CocaColaArena and Facebook: Coca-Cola Arena.

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