The home side secured a narrow victory over Spartak in Game 2 of their quarter-final clash.
In Dubai, Dubai Basketball secured a place in the 2025/26 ABA League semi-finals after an intense 88–84 win over Spartak Office Shoes in Game Two of their quarter-final series in Subotica, Serbia.
Just two seasons into their ABA League campaign, Dubai Basketball continue their strong rise, following a debut season that saw them reach the semi-finals before losing to Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade.
Spartak started strongly from the opening tip-off, using the support of the home crowd to take a 26–23 lead after the first quarter.
Dubai Basketball responded strongly in the second quarter, showing composure and attacking intent as they scored 30 points to take a 53–47 lead into halftime.
The third quarter became a tight defensive battle, with both sides struggling to break through as it ended 11–11. Dubai still maintained their advantage, heading into the final period up 64–58.
In the closing stages, Dubai Basketball produced a decisive push. A crucial 5–0 run in under a minute extended their lead to 80–73, giving them control of the game. Mfiondu Kabengele then delivered key baskets inside the paint to keep Spartak at bay and secure another strong away victory for Dubai.
He finished with a strong double-double, recording 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Džanan Musa led the offence once again with an outstanding all-around performance of 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The head coach of Dubai Basketball said the semi-final qualification was hard-fought, stressing that the team expected a strong response from their opponents regardless of the first-game result.
“We knew this was not going to be an easy game… We knew there was going to be a big reaction from the opponents,” he said.
He praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit, adding: “The players did a hell of a job. They fought all the way to the end, and we were challenged a couple of times, which showed the true character of the team. We managed to overcome most of the challenges, and that’s a great step for the semi-finals.”
Dubai Basketball will now await their semi-final opponent, which will be either Budućnost VOLI or U-BT Cluj-Napoca.
