Dubai Basketball continued to assert its home-court authority in Round 18 of the EuroLeague, defeating EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 99–93 at the Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai set the tone immediately. The opening minutes belonged entirely to the home side, which played with pace and clarity on both ends. The interior pairing of Mfiondu Kabengele and Filip Petrušev established a physical advantage early, creating scoring opportunities close to the basket and forcing Milan into defensive adjustments. When McKinley Wright IV and Dwayne Bacon added perimeter pressure, Dubai quickly built a double-digit lead and dictated the rhythm of the first quarter.

Milan struggled to find balance early and spent much of the opening period chasing the game. Dubai’s lead stretched to 15 points, a reflection of sharp execution and consistent energy. Although the visitors gradually stabilized, the damage from the slow start shaped the rest of the night.

The Italian side found momentum through improved ball movement and playmaking, with Marko Gudurić taking on a central creative role. His ability to organize the offense brought Milan back into contention, supported by contributions from Zach LeDay and Josh Nebo. The gap narrowed to two points at one stage, briefly shifting the game into a more even contest.

Dubai responded before halftime. Bacon punished defensive lapses from long range, while Kabengele capped the half with a powerful finish inside. Those moments allowed Dubai to regain separation and head into the break with a seven-point advantage, despite Milan’s improved stretch.

The third quarter brought a different complexion. Scoring slowed, physicality increased, and the game became more fragmented due to frequent fouls. That environment suited Milan, who reduced the margin possession by possession.

In the decisive period, Dubai reasserted control through discipline rather than spectacle. Milan had several chances to level the score or move in front, but missed free throws and execution errors halted their progress. Dubai capitalized on those moments, maintaining a two-to-three possession cushion.

Wright was central in managing the closing minutes, repeatedly converting key baskets to keep Milan at arm’s length. Bacon sealed the outcome from the free-throw line inside the final two minutes, pushing Dubai into a double-digit lead and effectively closing the contest.

Bacon finished as the game’s top scorer with 25 points. Wright added 19 points and nine assists, while Kabengele contributed 17 points. Petrušev recorded 13 points and seven rebounds. For Milan, Gudurić led with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.