Dubai Basketball notched their first win of the season with a complete team performance to see off Beşiktaş 83-71 in Game 2 of pre-season friendlies in Turkey.

The starting five saw a few changes from Friday’s game. Dubai fans had their first chance to see new signings Elie Okobo and Jaron Blossomgame in action, joining Prepelič and Bacon in the starting five along with a welcome return for ABA Finals MVP Mfiondu Kabengele.

Dubai laid the foundations with a strong opening quarter which they finished with an 18-14, highlighted by dunks from Blossomgame and Kabengele and a crafty reverse lay-up from Davion Mintz, finishing through contact for the “and one”.

The intensity from both sides continued into the second quarter, Dubai opening up a 27-22 lead and the Black Eagles fighting back to 29-29 punctuated by a three from Jaylen Nowell. Coach Pascual’s timeout had the desired effect, Dubai coming out of the huddle to go on a 15-5 run to end the half 44-34. In a first half full of physicality, both teams spent significant time at the line.

In the first half, Dubai’s size advantage helped them to an 18-14 advantage on points in the paint. Beşiktaş were more set on looking for their outside shot, but they could only manage three three-point makes from fourteen attempts. Dubai made an efficient 9 of 11 free throws in the first half and though Beşiktaş made the same number, they did so on 17 attempts.

Once again, Dubai tested a different line-up to start the third, with Okobo and Bacon being joined by Mintz, Petrušev and Diakite. The physicality continued and although the Turkish side managed to reduce the lead to six, some nice play by Kosta Kondić and Filip Petrušev helped to open up a 57-42 lead. Some trademark low-post scoring from Toko Shengelia helped to give Dubai a 66-51 advantage heading into the fourth.

Despite Beşiktaş’ shooters finding their range, Dubai maintained their focus and managed the clock in the fourth to see out the win. The convincing win was punctuated with a huge alley-oop dunk by Kabengele off the lob from Okobo, as well as a Bacon jam and another nice driving layup in traffic by Mintz.

Points in the paint (34-24) was again a winning factor for Dubai. The standout individual performances came from Mfiondu Kabengele (18 points on 7/8 shooting), Dwayne Bacon (11 points, 3 assists) and Davion Mintz (11 points, 4 rebounds).

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball: 

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a professional basketball club competing in the EuroLeague and the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League in the 2026/27 season. Following a historic 2025/26 campaign, the club enters the new season as the reigning ABA League champion under the leadership of Head Coach Xavi Pascual. Dubai Basketball plays its 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:

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:

David Jover

[email protected]

or

Hanan Mohamed

[email protected]