Dubai, 17 May 2025: Dubai Basketball loses out to Cedevita Olimpija (94:89) in Game 2 of the ABA League Quarter-Finals, resulting in a final deciding Game 3 set to take place on Tuesday, 20 May, at 7:30 PM at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai entered Game 2 in Ljubljana with a 1:0 lead in the best-of-three series, following a one-point home win. Victory in Slovenia would have secured immediate qualification to the Semi-Finals. Dubai Basketball faced one of the league’s most physical contenders in an intense battle at Stožice Arena.

Cedevita Olimpija wasted no time asserting their home-court advantage, taking the lead early in the first quarter. But as witnessed last week at Coca-Cola Arena, the game quickly turned into a fierce back-and-forth. Dubai’s Danilo Andušić and Italian fan favourite Awudu Abass stepped up under pressure, narrowing the gap with swift offensive responses.

Irrespective of Dubai Basketball fighting back and briefly gaining an advantage in the second quarter, the travelling team were unable to cement a long-lasting lead over the Dragons at their home court. A momentary 6-point difference in the second quarter offered a glimpse of victory, but Cedevita’s offensive display came back stronger, closing the lead and overtaking the visitors.

Aleksej Nikolić of Cedevita delivered a standout performance, finishing as the top scorer of the night with 30 points. Coming in close as the second highest scorer of the night is Dubai Basketball’s Danilo Andušić, sinking an impressive 23 points of his own.

This decisive clash on Tuesday marks more than just a pivotal game in the ABA League – it represents a historic opportunity for Dubai Basketball to cement its place among the best in the league. As the only team representing the Middle East, Dubai has already made a powerful statement in its debut season, showcasing top-tier performance and a winning mentality that has captured international attention.

With every team in the league defeated at least once, a 14-game unbeaten streak, and a record-breaking performance for the most points scored in a single quarter, the team has already made history. Now, they stand on the edge of another milestone: qualification to the Semi-Finals.

As the final game of the Quarter-Finals returns to Dubai, this is not just a chance for the team to step up – it’s an opportunity for the entire city to stand behind them. The atmosphere at Coca-Cola Arena will be crucial. Fan support can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Fans are encouraged to bring their passion, wear their colours proudly, and help turn Coca-Cola Arena into an unbreakable force. Game 3 of the ABA League Quarter-Final tips off at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, 20 May, at Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets are now available on the Coca-Cola Arena website.

-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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