DUBAI: Dubai Basketball’s dominant four-game winning streak has ended in Serbia with an 82-61 defeat to ABA League leaders and EuroLeague powerhouse, Partizan Mozzart.
Jurica Golemac’s side went into Sunday night’s heavyweight clash looking to give Partizan their first loss of the season.
However, the home side, spurred on by their passionate fans, rose to the occasion to extend their perfect record to 8-0.
The charge was led by former Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks star, Carlik Jones, with 17 points on the night.
Dubai started the contest in a positive manner, with a three-point lead through the first quarter of play.
But it was not enough, as the home team rallied with a staggering defensive second quarter that saw Dubai score just eight points.
Despite being underdogs, Dubai fought hard, clawing their way to within six points with just four minutes left on the clock.
The final score left Dubai with their second loss of the season, a 6-2 record, and just two points behind Partizan with the highly anticipated rematch already marked on the calendar.
Speaking of his team’s performance, coach Golemac said: “The organization of the game suffered a lot, we did not manage to place the ball where we wanted to.
“Defensively, it wasn’t that bad with the defensive changes in the first half. The plan was to stay close especially as there were four minutes left, but we didn’t last.”
After three away games across Europe, Dubai Basketball will return home to the Coca-Cola Arena to take on Slovenia’s Krka on Nov. 17.
Fan favorite Isaiah Taylor had nothing but praise for the Dubai Basketball supporters. “Our fans are incredible, they get into it every game and really motivate us.
“We say it all the time, when our fans get loud, the arena comes alive — they’re what it’s all about.”
