Dubai Basketball secures a thrilling 86-84 victory against European giants Crvena Zvezda, marking a historic start in the ABA League.
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of sports history, Dubai Basketball, the newly established professional basketball franchise, celebrated a stunning debut victory against the renowned Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) with an exhilarating score of 86-84. This landmark achievement unfolded at the Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday, heralding the beginning of an exciting journey for the team and its passionate fanbase.
Jurica Golemac, the team’s head coach, described the moment as a “dream come true.” The team could not have asked for a better start to their inaugural ABA League season, clinching their first competitive win in front of a sold-out crowd. Fans from all walks of life—expats, locals, young and old—came together to support their new home team, making history as the first UAE franchise to compete in Europe’s prestigious ABA League.
The atmosphere inside the arena was electric as spectators cheered for their team, celebrating this historic milestone. From the opening tip-off, it was clear that Dubai Basketball had a team-first mentality. The home team shocked spectators and critics alike with their spirited performance, closing the first quarter with a commanding 25-16 lead, punctuated by a spectacular half-court buzzer-beater that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
As the game progressed, Crvena Zvezda attempted a fierce comeback, narrowing the score to just two points in the final moments. However, resilient defense and clutch performances from Nate Mason (18 points), Awudu Abass (17 points), and team captain Klemen Prepelic (16 points) secured the win for Dubai Basketball.
Coach Golemac praised his players, stating, “All the credit goes to the organization and all the players who gave everything in this game. They really battled hard on the court, and we showed our character, and we won the game.” He extended his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support, urging them to continue attending games at the Coca-Cola Arena. “I am sure this is the start of something beautiful,” he added.
The night was further enhanced by the unveiling of Dubai Basketball’s mascot, Faiz the Falcon, who delighted fans by interacting and posing for pictures. Halftime featured a sensational performance by Quick Style, a Norwegian hip-hop and urban dance group known for winning “Norway’s Got Talent,” captivating the audience and earning a standing ovation.
With a thrilling ABA season ahead, Dubai Basketball is poised to build on this historic victory. Their next game will take place away against Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia next weekend, followed by a highly anticipated home match against Serbia’s KK Mega on October 5 at the Coca-Cola Arena. As excitement mounts, fans are eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in Dubai Basketball’s journey.
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