Dubai Basketball has fortified its commanding position in the ABA League, extending its flawless winning streak to 12 consecutive victories following a hard-fought 90-79 triumph over Borac Mozzart at the Coca-Cola Arena. The match not only demonstrated the team’s competitive resilience but also marked a watershed moment for basketball development in the United Arab Emirates.
The game witnessed the historic professional debut of 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic, a graduate of the Dubai Basketball Academy. His inclusion in the starting lineup represents the first instance of an academy product transitioning directly to the senior professional team, actualizing the club’s long-term vision for cultivating homegrown talent.
Despite an uncharacteristically sluggish start that saw Borac Mozzart capitalize on defensive lapses to secure a 23-19 first-quarter lead, Dubai Basketball gradually established control through the orchestration of former NBA players McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon. The team entered halftime with a narrow 41-37 advantage.
Strategic depth ultimately proved decisive as the contest progressed. Newcomer Kenan Kamenjaš delivered an impressive performance alongside seasoned veterans Nemanja Dangubić and Klemen Prepelič, while Borac’s efforts remained predominantly reliant on individual performances from Marko Jošilo and Diante Baldwin.
Head coach Jurica Golemac acknowledged the challenging circumstances, stating: ‘We extend congratulations to our players for securing this victory amidst a demanding schedule. After overcoming our initial performance issues, we established superior rhythm in the second half and managed the game effectively through shared minutes and injury-free execution.’
The final quarter demonstrated Dubai’s composure under pressure as they maintained their advantage without significant threats to the margin. Bacon led scoring with 15 points while Kamenjaš contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds.
The team now prepares for a pivotal EuroLeague Round 22 confrontation against Virtus Bologna, where they currently hold 12th position—just one rank above their upcoming opponents. This matchup represents a critical opportunity for Dubai Basketball to consolidate their standing before their home audience.
Tickets for the highly anticipated encounter are available through the Coca-Cola Arena’s official platform.