In a landmark achievement for Emirati basketball, Dubai Basketball Club has secured a spot in the ABA League semifinals, following a commanding 85–76 victory over Olimpija Ljubljana in the decisive third game of the quarterfinal series.
With this win, Dubai advances to face European powerhouse Partizan Belgrade in what promises to be a thrilling semifinal showdown.
Total Control from Start to Finish
Under the leadership of head coach Jurica Golemac, Dubai delivered a disciplined, all-around performance on home court. From the opening tip, the team dictated the tempo, applying intense defensive pressure and executing a cohesive offensive game plan.
Nate Mason led the way with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Abbas Ouobo followed with a strong performance of 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Dāvis Bertāns and captain Klemen Prepelič each contributed 12 points, further showcasing Dubai’s depth and teamwork.
Coach Golemac: “Mission Accomplished, But We’re Not Done Yet”
Speaking exclusively to Number 1 after the game, head coach Jurica Golemac praised his players’ unity and defensive intensity:
“We believed in ourselves from the beginning. We stayed together and played as one unit—especially on the defensive end. We controlled the game for 40 minutes, and no one backed down.”
Despite missing 12 free throws, Golemac noted the team’s composure and resilience, especially after losing Game 2 in Ljubljana:
“In that second game, I didn’t recognize my team. But after reviewing the footage, I saw it in their eyes—they understood what needed to change. And today, they proved it.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Partizan, Golemac remained grounded but hopeful:
“They are a EuroLeague team and clear favorites. We’re the underdogs, but a game is still 40 minutes long. We’ll prepare, and we believe we can surprise them.”
Awudu Abass: “A Big Step – But the Job’s Not Done”
Veteran forward Abbas Ouobo, who has over 15 years of professional experience, echoed his coach’s sentiments:
“It’s a great step forward, but we’ve been working since August for something bigger. We’re not there yet.”
Ouobo played a crucial role in the closing moments of the game and shared his calm mindset after the previous loss:
“I love clutch moments. After the loss in Ljubljana, I stayed calm. That’s playoff basketball—you win some, you lose some. But we stuck together and regained our rhythm.”
On the upcoming matchup with Partizan, Ouobo added:
“I take it one game at a time. Thinking too far ahead only distracts you. We’ll focus on Game 1—and we’ve got nothing to lose, so we’ll fight.”
Mitrović: “Dubai Deserved It – I’m Proud of My Team”
Olimpija head coach Aleksandar Mitrović graciously congratulated Dubai, acknowledging their superior preparation and execution:
“Credit to Dubai—they were ready and controlled most of the game. We fought hard and never gave up, which speaks to our identity all season.”
Despite losing Justin Robinson in the second half due to injury, Mitrović refused to make excuses:
“It’s been a challenging season. We started without Doni and Brett Olemar for two months. But considering our budget and roster, I believe we had a solid run in the EuroCup and ABA.”
“My players gave everything they had. That’s what matters to me most. The effort was always there—and I’m proud of them.”
Semifinal Showdown: Partizan vs. Dubai – The Dream Continues
Dubai will open their semifinal series against Partizan on May 25 in Belgrade, stepping onto one of Europe’s biggest basketball stages with confidence and belief.
With momentum, unity, and nothing to lose, Dubai enters the clash as clear underdogs—but with a growing belief that another shock upset may be possible on their remarkable ABA journey.
