Sport Local 2026-03-26T01:44:39+00:00

Dubai Basketball Team Suffers Narrow Defeat

The Dubai basketball team narrowly lost to Panathinaikos Aktor Athens 104-107 in a Euroleague game. The match in Sarajevo featured 24 lead changes, with Dusan Musa scoring a season-high 31 points.


Dubai Basketball Team Suffers Narrow Defeat

The Dubai basketball team suffered a narrow defeat. The Dubai basketball team lost by a narrow margin to Panathinaikos Aktor Athens with a score of 104-107 in a strong match held the evening before last at the Zetra Arena in Sarajevo, as part of the 33rd round of the Euroleague basketball championship (EuroLeague), which saw exciting fluctuations with the lead changing 24 times throughout the game. The Dubai basketball team put in a strong performance in the first half, successfully building a lead of 12 points thanks to a remarkable rhythm on both offensive and defensive levels, but the visiting team came back before the end of the half, narrowing the gap to just three points (50-47), leaving the match open to all possibilities. The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as Panathinaikos raised their offensive pace, winning the quarter 34-25 to take a six-point lead as the final quarter began (81-75). In the fourth quarter, Panathinaikos made several difficult shots in the final minutes to secure the win in their favor. Dubai team coach, Eureka Golemac, commented, saying: "We made many mistakes that gave them easy points, especially due to turnovers, and in the fourth quarter, we didn't make the right offensive decisions, which gave them the advantage." Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi said: "I am proud to see Dubai's name present in Sarajevo, and to feel this strong bond with the community. This is an important step for the Dubai basketball team, and we are grateful for this opportunity to connect with people." The match was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi and Ahmed Al Shamsi, the UAE Consul General in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We wish them luck, and we will continue to progress." Dusan Musa shone by scoring 31 points, his highest tally this season, in a standout individual performance within a match decided in the final moments. With this result, the Dubai basketball team's record became 17 wins against 16 losses, placing them 11th in the EuroLeague standings. We had our chances, but they are a high-quality team that punishes every mistake.