Dubai Basketball create history with ABA League semi-final berth

Dubai: ABA League debutants Dubai Basketball have created history by booking their place in the two-leg semi-finals after a commanding 85—76 win over Slovenia’s Cedevita Olimpija in Game 3 of the quarter-finals at Coca-Cola Arena.

In just their first year competing in the league, Dubai’s home team now move on to face Serbian giants Partizan Mozzart Bet in a best-of-three Semi-Final series. The first leg tips off on 26 May in Belgrade, followed by the return leg at home on 29 May.

In their most decisive game of the season, Dubai came out firing from the tip-off, controlling the tempo and momentum from the opening whistle. Backed by an emphatic home crowd, the team made an early statement, closing the first quarter eight points ahead — and never looking back.

The turning point came early in the second quarter. With disciplined defence and slick ball movement, Dubai surged to an 11-point lead with half the quarter still to play. Olimpija never recovered, unable to close the gap for the rest of the game.

Leading the way was point guard Nate Mason, who once again proved his value as the team’s top scorer. Mason delivered a composed and clinical performance, finishing with 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists to earn Man of the Match honours.

Dubai’s consistency and composure were also reflected in the stats. They shot an impressive 48.2% from the field compared to Olimpija’s 40%, making the most of each possession and punishing defensive lapses.

Head coach Jurica Golemac praised his side’s mental preparation and focus under pressure.

“Credit to Cedevita Olimpija for a great series. We knew this was going to be our toughest quarter-final matchup, but we didn’t shy away from the challenge. We came out to prove we were the better team — and we did just that.

“We fought for 40 minutes, stayed on our feet, and supported one another throughout. I want to thank the fans — tonight, they were our sixth player. Every time we started to feel the fatigue, they gave us that extra push.”

The road ahead gets tougher as they prepare to take on Serbian powerhouse Partizan Mozzart Bet. But with momentum, belief, and a passionate home crowd behind them, Dubai Basketball are ready to write the next chapter in their remarkable debut season.