Dubai Basketball extended their perfect start to the season with an 81-77 win over U-BT Cluj-Napoca, maintaining their unbeaten record in the ABA League. The victory came after a strong debut in the EuroLeague, with the team continuing to showcase resilience and depth across competitions. Despite being challenged by the Romanian newcomers, Dubai controlled most of the game but had to fight hard to secure the win as Cluj-Napoca mounted a late comeback.
A Hard-Fought Victory for Dubai Basketball
The match against Cluj-Napoca was intense and competitive, with Dubai Basketball holding the upper hand for the majority of the game. However, the Romanian side made a strong push in the final quarter, led by Dušan Miletić, who nearly overturned the result on his own. Despite the pressure, Dubai’s players stayed focused and ensured the victory, protecting their flawless record.
Head Coach Jurica Golemac praised the team’s effort, acknowledging the tough week leading up to the match. “We needed energy after the week that took us out,” Golemac said. “We found that the crowd was what was giving us the energy again, with our fans helping us in the most crucial moments. Again, one more time, we won the game with defense, with strong energy and physicality.”
Key Players Drive the Team’s Success
Mfiondu Kabengele was once again the standout player for Dubai, registering a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. His presence was critical in both offensive and defensive situations. McKinley Wright also had an impressive performance, contributing 11 points, while Sertaç Şanlı added 10 points. Şanlı, in particular, played a key role in turning the game around in the final quarter, helping secure the win after the score was tied.
In his post-game comments, Şanlı reflected on his debut performance, acknowledging that although the team did not play their best overall, they showed strong determination. “We didn’t play well the whole game, but we showed good hustle, especially in the second half, and managed to get the win. I know that game by game, I’ll get better I’ll understand my teammates more, understand the coach better, and grow with the team. We still have a long way to go, but I believe we’ll keep improving every game.”
Looking Ahead: Dubai’s Upcoming Matches
Dubai Basketball’s next match is away against LDLC ASVEL in Lyon, following a two-week stint on the road. The team will return to home court for an exciting encounter against ABA League reigning champions, Partizan, on November 3 at Coca-Cola Arena. Fans can expect a thrilling experience as Dubai continues to build on their early-season momentum.
For those in Dubai, don’t miss out on the chance to experience the best of basketball action and entertainment at Coca-Cola Arena. In the meantime, the city is also buzzing with other exciting events, including FBIS 2025, which promises to showcase a celebration of global leadership and innovation.
