Dubai Basketball edge out Cedevita Olimpija in dramatic win
Dubai Basketball clinched a 86:85 victory over Slovenia's Cedevita Olimpija in Game 1 of the ABA League Quarter Finals at Coca-Cola Arena.
A one-point margin was all that separated the home side from the sixth-seeded Slovenian visitors in what turned out to be one of the most dramatic games of the season. The win, held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena in front of nearly a sold-out crowd, gave Dubai a 1:0 lead in the best-of-three series.
From the opening whistle to the final buzzer, neither side managed to establish a defining lead.
'We know Cedevita Olimpija is a very good team, a very physical team - it will be a tough game,' said Dubai Basketball coach Jurica Golemac in the pre-game press conference - accurately predicting what was to come.
Neither side managed to stretch the lead beyond two points by the end of a quarter, with momentum shifting possession by possession. That was until Cedevita took advantage of Dubai's sudden defensive lapse. As the third quarter drew closer, the home team were edging towards a 10-point deficit. But just when momentum seemed to be shifting away, the crowd - nearly 5,000 strong - rose to the occasion to urge on the home team to make the comeback that ensured the win.
'This was a real playoff game. We had everything,' said Dubai head coach Jurica Golemac post-match. 'We were down three times and kept coming back. We never gave up, despite all the problems and everything that happened.'
American guard Nate Mason set the tone with an early jump shot and went on to deliver a standout performance, finishing with 18 points and five assists. He was named Man of the Match, sharing top scorer honours with team captain Klemen Prepelič.
Prepelič, reflecting on the team's unrelenting spirit, said, 'There was no moment where we thought we were out of this. It was all about passion and hard work. We've worked all season to earn this home-court advantage - and tonight we played with pride. The fans were incredible, and I think that energy pushed us. Everyone's fighting for each other, and that passion showed on the floor.'
Dubai Basketball's will next face Cedevita Olimpija in their hometown, Ljubljana.
As Coach Golemac said after the final buzzer, 'We protected our home court, which we earned throughout the season. Now we're going there to finish it.'
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