Dubai Basketball booked their place in the ABA League playoffs with a commanding 100–82 victory over Bosna BH Telecom in Round 1 of the Top 8 phase, becoming the first team to secure qualification following the league’s second stage.
Hosting Bosna for the first time in the city, Dubai entered the Top 8 as table leaders and reinforced their status with one of their most complete displays of the season. The side combined sharp offensive execution with disciplined defence to control large stretches of the contest.
The hosts set the tone early. In the opening quarter, Dubai established control through efficient scoring and organised half-court defence that kept Bosna largely on the back foot. Dzanan Musa found his rhythm midway through the period, while Mfiondu Kabengele asserted himself in the paint. Although Bosna trimmed the deficit to four points late in the quarter, Dubai maintained composure to close the first 10 minutes ahead.
Head coach Jurica Golemac acknowledged the challenge posed by the visitors. “It was a very difficult game to play after these trips. Bosna is a very good team, and the result doesn’t show the real face of the game. They fought well, and we needed to play a really strong game to win. In the end, I’m happy that we made it,” he said.
Bosna responded in the second quarter, with Michael Lamor Young Jr. providing an offensive spark. The visitors showed improved movement and penetration, but several attempts fell short under pressure. A timely three-pointer from Aleksa Avramovic steadied Dubai, and sharper ball circulation exposed defensive gaps. The home side extended their lead to 45–35 at halftime as their cohesion began to tell.
The third quarter saw Bosna mount their strongest push. Young again proved influential as the visitors narrowed the margin briefly. Dubai, however, answered with physical presence and versatility. Kabengele stretched the floor while continuing to dominate inside, preventing Bosna from sustaining momentum. By the end of the period, Dubai had restored a 12-point cushion.
Bosna entered the final quarter with determination, but Dubai’s consistent scoring ensured the lead never came under serious threat. The 18-point margin reflected the hosts’ control in the closing stages.
Kabengele led all scorers with 21 points. Musa contributed 15, and McKinley Wright added 13 as Dubai strengthened their grip on top spot in the standings.
The victory confirms Dubai’s progression to the playoff stage as the ABA League campaign approaches its decisive stretch. Attention now shifts to European competition, with the team preparing for another EuroLeague fixture. Following an away win in Milan, Dubai sit 11th in the standings, just one place outside the Play-In positions as the race for qualification intensifies.
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