Dubai Basketball secure ABA League semi-final after defeating Spartak

Dubai Basketball has secured their place in the ABA League semi-finals after beating Spartak Office Shoes 84:88 in a heated Quarter-Final Round 2 clash in Subotica, Serbia.

In only their second season in the ABA League, Dubai Basketball continues to build on a remarkable journey following last year’s debut campaign, which saw the club conclude their campaign in the semi-finals against Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade. 

After a dominant 104:72 victory in Round 1 earlier in the week, Dubai entered Game 2 knowing one more win would seal their place in the league’s Top 4, but they were made to fight for every possession in front of a passionate Spartak home crowd.

Spartak delivered a strong performance from the opening tip, feeding off the energy inside the arena to edge the first quarter 26:23. Despite the early pressure, Dubai Basketball responded with composure and intensity in the second quarter, finding their offensive rhythm and pouring in 30 points to completely shift momentum and take a 47:53 lead into halftime.

The third quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both sides tightening up and every basket becoming increasingly valuable. The period ended level at 11:11, allowing Dubai Basketball to maintain their six-point advantage heading into the decisive final quarter at 58:64.

With less than four minutes remaining, Dubai Basketball delivered the defining moment of the game. A crucial 5:0 run in under a minute gave Dubai breathing room at 73:80 and handed the visitors full momentum in crunch time.

In the closing moments, Mfiondu Kabengele stepped up with several massive baskets in the paint to keep Spartak at a safe distance and help Dubai Basketball close out another statement victory on the road.

Kabengele finished with another double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Džanan Musa once again led the team offensively with a spectacular all-around display of 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

“We knew this was not going to be an easy game, regardless of the score in the first game. We knew there was going to be a big reaction from the opponents. We expected that and anticipated that," said the Dubai Basketball Head Coach.

Dubai Basketball will next play against either Budućnost VOLI or U-BT Cluj-Napoca at the league's semi-finals.