Dubai Basketball a step away from ABA League finals

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball moved one step closer to the ABA League finals after defeating Buducnost VOLI 104-90 in game one of the ABA League semifinals in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Thursday.

Forced to play away from home again following the relocation of the series from Dubai, they delivered a commanding performance to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three matchup and continue a historic second season in the ABA League.

It has been a challenging week for Dubai Basketball, who traveled from the UAE back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country that has served as the team’s temporary host over the past two months.

Despite the disruption and uncertainty surrounding the semifinal series, the team showed composure and maturity beyond its experience at this level.

Competing in only their second ABA League season, Dubai Basketball have quickly established themselves among the league’s elite and are now firmly considered one of the favorites to win the title.

Dubai Basketball took control of the game early with an explosive first-half display on both ends of the floor. The team entered halftime with a commanding 59-36 advantage after producing one of their most complete performances of the season offensively and defensively.

Dzanan Musa led the way with 22 points, while McKinley Wright IV added 18. Bruno Caboclo also played a decisive role, scoring 11 consecutive points during the second quarter to help extend Dubai Basketball’s lead beyond the 20-point mark.

Buducnost VOLI attempted to respond after the break, but Dubai Basketball maintained control throughout the second half, answering every comeback attempt and managing the rhythm of the game until the final buzzer.

Dubai Basketball Head Coach Aleksander Sekulic