Dubai Basketball take down Partizan in epic overtime win

Dubai: A night of drama, grit and redemption at Coca-Cola Arena saw Dubai Basketball edge seven-time ABA League champions Partizan Mozzart Bet 100–95 in a thrilling Game 2 semi-final win — sealed in the final five minutes of overtime.

Reeling from a first-leg defeat in Belgrade, Dubai came into Thursday night’s must-win encounter with their backs to the wall. But rather than wilt under pressure, the ABA League debutants rose to the challenge with one of their finest performances of the season — overwhelming the Serbian giants with energy, physicality and fearless shooting.

“This was a different game,” said Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic. “We knew they would try to be aggressive here [in Dubai], and they were.”

From the opening tip-off, Dubai set the tone. A narrow lead in the second quarter began to grow as the hosts knocked down clutch three-pointers and fought for every possession. But Partizan stayed within touching distance thanks to early bursts from American guard Carlik Jones and Belgian international Frank Ntilikina.

Dubai’s standout performer was captain Klemen Prepelić, who delivered a Man of the Match display with 30 points, three rebounds and an assist. The Slovenian shooting guard, already a key figure in the team’s breakout season, elevated his game under pressure, dictating tempo and knocking down big shots.

Point guard Nate Mason kept the dream alive with ice-cold free throws in the final 14 seconds of regulation, levelling the score and sending the game into overtime.

“I’m very proud,” said head coach Jurica Golemac. “We didn’t surrender; we didn’t give up. You could see it in the players — the emotions in their eyes. We didn’t want the season to end, and that was obvious.”

Backed by more than 7,000 roaring fans, Dubai surged in overtime. Every block, rebound and basket felt amplified — not least by the thunderous home crowd that played its part in pushing the team over the line.

“Our defence was unbelievable today,” Golemac added. “I had the feeling there were 10,000 people inside — breathing and playing the game with us. They wanted to succeed just like we did.”

Dubai now travel to Belgrade for the deciding third game of the series on Sunday. A win there would not only complete a remarkable comeback but also book them a place in the ABA League finals — a historic feat in their debut campaign.