In an extraordinary night at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai proved it is carving out one of the most formidable home-court advantages in the EuroLeague. In a heroic 108–98 victory over Olympiacos, Dubai survived a high-tension overtime thriller to cement its status as a rising powerhouse. From the opening tip, Dubai displayed a “refuse to lose” mentality, dictating an aggressive offensive rhythm to end the first quarter with a comfortable lead. By halftime, they had widened the gap, fueled by a scorching performance from Aleksa Avramović, who orchestrated a masterclass on both ends of the floor.
Despite a fierce third-quarter rally from the Greek giants that turned the game into an open-floor battle, Dubai remained composed under fire. Mfiondu Kabengele delivered one of his most dominant performances of the season, anchoring the paint and acting as a persistent offensive pivot. With only three seconds remaining in regulation and Dubai leading by two, Evan Fournier silenced the crowd with a cold-blooded triple to force overtime. Yet, the hosts responded to the setback with steel; a suffocating defensive display in the extra period held the visitors scoreless for several minutes, while a decisive 13–0 run secured what is arguably the most significant win in Dubai’s young European history.
The “Epic of Dubai” featured multiple protagonists. Kabengele showcased clear leadership traits, while Dwayne Bacon remained an unstoppable offensive force throughout. McKinley Wright IV emerged as the game’s floor general, reading the closing moments with veteran precision. Meanwhile, Avramović’s first-half explosion—defined by clinical scoring and disruptive perimeter defense—set the tone early. While Olympiacos fought valiantly behind Tyler Dorsey and Fournier, they eventually hit a “yellow wall” of defense in overtime that left them reeling.
This victory is more than just two points in the standings; it is a statement of intent. It signals to the EuroLeague that Dubai—despite its newcomer status—thrives under pressure. Now sitting at 12 wins, the team is within striking distance of the Play-In spots, a crucial boost as they navigate the exhausting demands of a double-round week.
Preview: Real Madrid vs. Dubai – A Battle for Authority and a Test of Maturity
Less than 48 hours after their emotional triumph, Dubai faces the ultimate litmus test: Real Madrid. The “Royal Club” arrives with a roster synonymous with chemistry, depth, and the unparalleled experience of winning high-pressure road games. Scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Arena, Madrid enters the contest backed by elite rebounding metrics and a lethal ability to convert inside touches into points.
Tactical Keys to the Matchup:
- The War on the Boards: Real Madrid dominates the glass through the length of Walter Tavares and Usman Garuba. Dubai’s primary mission is to limit second-chance points through collective rebounding—a tall task given Madrid’s statistical superiority in this category.
- Neutralizing the Transition: Madrid excels at punishing turnovers with lightning-fast fastbreaks. Dubai’s disciplined ball-handling against Olympiacos must be even tighter tomorrow; against Los Blancos, any lapse is an immediate two points.
- Capitalizing at the Charity Stripe: Dubai boasts one of the league’s highest free-throw percentages this week. Drawing fouls in the paint and converting from the line will be essential to keeping the scoreboard moving.
- McKinley Wright’s Tempo Control: Madrid can break a game open in a two-minute blur. Dubai needs Wright to manage the clock, settle the half-court offense, and prevent the game from spiraling into a chaotic pace that favors the Spaniards.
- The Kabengele Factor: As the defensive heartbeat, Kabengele must provide the interior resistance necessary to force Madrid’s shooters outside, while creating space for Bacon and Dzanan Musa on the perimeter.
If defeating Olympiacos was a test of mental toughness, facing the winningest club in European history is a test of maturity. Success tomorrow would prove that Dubai is no longer a seasonal surprise, but a legitimate contender.
Box Score Leaders: Dubai’s Standout Performers
Dubai’s offensive fireworks were ignited by a potent trio that combined for a historic scoring night:
| Player | Points | Impact Note |
| Dwayne Bacon | 21 | The team’s most consistent offensive weapon; scored crucial buckets across all four quarters and OT. |
| Mfiondu Kabengele | 21 | A “complete” performance; dominated the glass and provided the physical edge needed in the clutch. |
| McKinley Wright IV | 18 | The tactical anchor; restored order when the game turned chaotic and facilitated the offense with elite vision. |
| Aleksa Avramović | 17 | The early spark; 15 of his 17 points came in a blistering first half, complemented by relentless ball-pressure. |
