Dubai Basketball Complete Perfect EuroLeague Away Week with Win Over Olimpia Milano

1 day ago

1 day ago

Dubai Basketball Complete Perfect EuroLeague Away Week with Win Over Olimpia Milano

2026-10-16T01:14+04:00

Dubai secured the second consecutive victory in the EuroLeague double-round week. After beating Baskonia in Vitoria, Dubai completed their overseas trip with a Thursday night win (97-101) at the Assago Forum against Olimpia Milano in Round 6 of the EuroLeague Regular Season.

Dubai Basketball had the same starting five as two days ago, with Wright, Mintz, and Bacon as guards, and Shengelia and Kabengele under the basket.

Olimpia Milano started better than Dubai, aggressively rebounding with the willing of back from a poor start to the season. Garrison Mathews was extremely dangerous from the 3-point arc and earned numerous free throws. Trailing by 11 points, Coach Xavi Pascual called a timeout and "taught" his players, who responded immediately.

Dwayne Bacon's show not only led Dubai to a comeback but also to a 6-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Bacon had a fantastic quarter, scoring 14 points on 100% field goal shooting. In the second quarter, Dubai had Elie Okobo as their leading offensive scorer, effectively replacing Dwayne Bacon resting on the bench. Olimpia Milano tries to stay in the game, but Dubai also has plenty of quality under the basket, with Kabengele very positive and scoring 10 points. In addition to the former Venice player, Bacon has 17 points, Okobo has 10, and Wright has 6, for a first half that ends with Dubai Basketball up 7.

In the third quarter, Dwayne Bacon was once again a superstar. Dubai star put on a marvelous offensive show, scoring 26 points at the end of the third quarter. Dubai's team performance was significant, very good, and not just because of Bacon. They were up 15 points with 10 minutes left. In the final quarter, Dubai even reached a 20-point lead, dominating the game. Olimpia Milano, however, pridefully attempted a comeback in the final seconds. Dubai relaxed a bit too much and came within one possession, up by 2 in the final seconds. Bacon's free throws clinched the victory for Dubai.

Dwayne Bacon, the MVP, scored 29 points, making 6 of 6 3-pointers. Kabengele scored 18 points, and Blossomgame 14. Dubai closed out the double-round week with a historic double victory, crucial for the EuroLeague standings.

Dubai Head Coach Xavi Pascual said on the win, "We worked very well on offense and defense. Then in the last 5 minutes, we lost focus and we made too many mistakes, like the 6 free throws that allowed Milan to close the gap. Dwayne Bacon was a leader today, in many ways. He spent too much time on the bench at the end, but he was truly excellent."

Dubai return to Coca-Cola Arena on Monday, 19 October, to open their ABA League title defence against SC Derby in front of their home fans.