Dubai Stuns Partizan in Historic EuroLeague Debut Victory

In a landmark moment for both club and city, Dubai Basketball claimed a decisive 88-75 victory over Serbian giants Partizan Mozzart Bet on Tuesday night in their EuroLeague debut, marking the team's entry into Europe's top-tier basketball competition with authority.
The game, held at the Coca-Cola Arena, signaled more than just a win - it marked the arrival of Dubai on the European basketball map.
Dubai opened strongly, fueled by the sharp shooting of Davis Bertans, who led an early 8-point run that gave the home team an 18–10 advantage. By the end of the first quarter, Dubai had established a 10-point cushion, closing the period at 28–18.
Despite a slower second quarter, the hosts maintained their composure and held a 47–40 lead at halftime. The start of the third quarter, however, tested Dubai’s resolve. Partizan surged with an 8–0 run, briefly taking the lead at 48–47.
Dubai's response was immediate and emphatic. Led by Mfiondu Kabengele’s physical presence inside, along with contributions from Dwayne Bacon and Džanan Musa, the team reclaimed control and closed the third quarter with a commanding 68–56 lead.
The momentum carried into the final period, where Dubai opened with five unanswered points, extending the lead to 73–56. The margin eventually grew to 20 points, effectively sealing the result with minutes to spare.
“This is a very important win for us,” said Head Coach Jurica Golemac postgame. “Partizan came back at one moment, but with our defense, we managed to recover. Winning at home gives us confidence - it shows we can compete with anyone when we play together.”
Dubai now travels to Monaco for their next EuroLeague fixture before returning home for their ABA League opener on October 6.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office