Dubai Basketball Secure Historic First EuroLeague Away Victory With 93-79 Win Over Baskonia.
Dubai Basketball secured their first away win of the EuroLeague season, defeating Baskonia 93-79 in Round 5 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
The 14-point victory marked a strong comeback for the UAE side following their previous home defeat, improving their EuroLeague record to three wins and two losses.
After a difficult opening, Dubai produced an impressive second-half performance, combining disciplined defence with efficient attacking play to claim a convincing victory on Spanish soil.
Xavi Pascual praises team’s response
Dubai Basketball head coach Xavi Pascual highlighted the importance of the result, particularly after the disappointment of losing their previous home fixture.
“It was a very important win for us after the defeat at home. It was a game that we didn’t start well. The first four minutes we started very softly and without the right mentality. But from this moment, the game changed completely. In the second half, I think we played very well defensively and offensively, and we could close this game with only eight turnovers, 20 assists and, in general, we have to be happy for the night.”
Dubai recover from slow start to take control
Baskonia made an aggressive start, establishing a commanding 14-2 lead as Dubai struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes.
However, the visitors quickly regained their composure and responded with an impressive 27-9 scoring run.
Mintz provided momentum with his accuracy from beyond the three-point line, while Kabengele made a significant impact close to the basket, helping Dubai turn the contest in their favour.
The hosts fought back to prevent Dubai from pulling away, leaving the visitors with a narrow 44-43 advantage heading into half-time.
Dubai returned from the break with greater intensity, opening the third quarter with an 11-2 run that shifted the momentum decisively in their favour.
Filip Petrusev contributed four points during that stretch, while Elie Okobo delivered a crucial offensive boost, scoring 10 points across the closing stages of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth.
Their contributions helped Dubai establish a double-digit lead and put Baskonia under increasing pressure.
Strong defence and disciplined play seal victory
Dubai maintained their advantage throughout the final quarter, controlling the rebounds and managing possession effectively to prevent Baskonia from mounting a comeback.
The team’s improved ball movement and defensive organisation proved decisive, with Dubai finishing the contest with 20 assists and just eight turnovers, their lowest turnover total of the season.
The statistics reflected a more controlled and efficient performance after the team’s uncertain start.
Five Dubai players reach double figures
Filip Petrusev led Dubai’s scoring with 17 points, while Kabengele delivered an impressive double-double, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Bacon contributed 15 points and five assists, while Okobo added 14 points and four assists.
Diakite also made a valuable contribution, scoring 11 points in just 13 minutes on the court.
In total, five Dubai Basketball players finished with double-digit points, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive display.
Dubai Basketball prepare for Milan challenge
Following their victory in Spain, Dubai Basketball will travel to Italy to face EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on October 15 in Round 6 of the EuroLeague.
The team will subsequently return to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena for an ABA League fixture against SC Derby.
