https://arab.news/m4ndb
- The 102-74 victory against Cibona was the new team’s first triple-digit performance in the ABA League
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball have registered their first triple-digit performance with a 102-74 thrashing of Cibona on the road, to take their ABA League record to 5-1.
Dubai Basketball’s head coach, Jurica Golemac, could not have asked for a better performance as they dominated the game from tip-off to the final buzzer in Zagreb on Saturday.
After Ahmet Duverioglu converted both his free throws in the first 13 seconds, the visitors never looked back, closing out the first quarter with a healthy 35-17 advantage.
Dubai are now one of only a few teams to score over 30 points in a single quarter of play this season.
Cibona struggled without their starting point guards, Roko Rogic and Kreso Radovcic, and seemed to lack the star power needed to slow down Dubai’s offense.
By the time the third quarter ended, Dubai held a huge 81-52 lead and continued to pour on the offense, crossing the 100-point barrier late into the final quarter thanks to a JaCorey Williams two-pointer in the paint.
This marked the first time in the franchise’s young history that they would eclipse the century mark.
Williams, who scored double digits in three of six games this season, would leave Croatia ranked second in the ABA League’s “Points in the Paint.”
Former NBA star, Davis Bertans, put up a game-high of 17 points, doing most of his damage from beyond the arc, shooting five of eight (62.5 percent) from three-point territory.
At Saturday night’s conclusion, Bertans ascended to second in the ABA League for three-point shots made, trailing only Split’s Jordano Antonio.
Thirdy Ravena was stellar in over 10 minutes of action, recording his first steal, assist, and rebound of the season.
Thirdy, who has quickly emerged as a fan favorite in Dubai, kept intense pressure on Cibona’s offense, playing a major role in holding them to just 74 points.
Dubai Basketball are now tied for second in the ABA League standings, behind Partizan Mozzart, who they will face on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Golemac praised his team. “I congratulate my players for playing really well. We achieved what we came for, played a great game and now we are going to analyze what we can do better and move on to the next game.
“Our players understand that every move and every possession is important and they all share the same vision of wanting to not only win but also be competitive in each game. As a coach, it’s a pleasure to be working with them.”
Dubai Basketball are again on the road next weekend when they travel to Montenegro for game seven against Studentski Centar Derby on Saturday, Nov. 2.
They return to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Sunday, Nov. 17, to take on KRKA.