In a spectacular display of basketball prowess, Dubai Basketball has officially clinched their spot in the ABA League playoffs following a decisive 100-82 triumph over Bosna BH Telecom. The landmark victory, achieved during Round 1 of the Top 8 phase, establishes the Emirati club as the first team to secure postseason qualification following the league’s second phase.
The Tuesday evening matchup witnessed one of Dubai’s most complete performances this season, combining offensive precision with formidable defensive discipline. The home team entered the competition phase leading the Top 8 standings and reinforced their dominant position with a display that left little doubt about their championship credentials.
The game’s trajectory was established early as Dubai implemented assertive offensive execution and disciplined half-court defense, consistently keeping pressure in the visitors’ territory. Key contributions came from Dzanan Musa, who found his rhythm midway through the opening quarter, and Mfiondu Kabengele, who established physical dominance in the paint. Although Bosna managed to narrow the deficit to four points late in the first quarter, Dubai’s structural integrity ensured they maintained the advantage.
Head coach Jurica Golemac acknowledged the challenge post-game: ‘It was a very difficult game to play after these trips. Bosna is a very quality team and the result doesn’t fully reflect the competitive nature of the contest. They fought well and we needed to play exceptionally strong basketball to secure this victory.’
Despite Bosna’s resurgence in the second quarter, highlighted by Michael Lamor Young Jr.’s offensive impact, Dubai maintained composure. A critical three-pointer from Aleksa Avramović stabilized the home team’s momentum, while enhanced ball movement exposed vulnerabilities in Bosna’s defensive scheme. By halftime, Dubai had expanded their lead to ten points (45-35), demonstrating the cohesion that would ultimately separate the contenders.
The third quarter presented Bosna’s most determined challenge as the visitors emerged with renewed intensity, temporarily narrowing the gap through Young’s continued productivity. However, Dubai’s physical versatility proved insurmountable. Kabengele’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with sustained interior control, prevented Bosna from maintaining momentum. By the period’s conclusion, Dubai had reestablished a commanding 12-point advantage.
The final quarter saw Bosna demonstrate resilience, but Dubai’s offensive consistency ensured the lead never approached threatening margins, culminating in an 18-point victory that solidifies their championship aspirations.
Kabengele led all scorers with 21 points, anchoring Dubai’s offensive production, while Musa contributed 15 points against his former club. McKinley Wright added 13 points to the balanced scoring effort. The victory strengthens Dubai’s position atop the standings as the ABA League season progresses toward its decisive phase.
The team now looks ahead to their next home game, another EuroLeague night where playoff positioning intensifies. Following an away victory against Milan, Dubai currently occupies 11th place—just one position outside Play-In tournament qualification—adding another layer of significance to their continental campaign.