Dubai Basketball edges reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce in preseason thriller

Monday 8 September 2025

Dubai Basketball edges reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce in preseason thriller Dubai Basketball claimed a stunning 92:93 victory over reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce Beko in Istanbul, securing a statement win in just their second-ever preseason game. In a clash that went down to the wire, Danilo Anđušić’s clutch shooting and a massive late defensive stand helped the E

Monday 8 September 2025

Dubai Basketball edges reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce in preseason thriller

2025-09-08T20:00:26+00:00

Dubai Basketball claimed a stunning 92:93 victory over reigning EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce Beko in Istanbul, securing a statement win in just their second-ever preseason game. In a clash that went down to the wire, Danilo Anđušić’s clutch shooting and a massive late defensive stand helped the EuroLeague newcomers topple one of Europe’s elite.

First half: Fast start and sizzling ball movement

Dubai Basketball set the tone early, jumping out to a 7:14 lead midway through the opening quarter. Dwayne Bacon was unstoppable in the first 10 minutes, scoring 11 points as Dubai Basketball went on a 6:0 run to build a 21:29 advantage by the end of the first period.

The visitors continued to impress in the second quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 11 points (25:36). Kosta Kondić began to heat up, scoring 5 points in the period and finishing the half with 11 on perfect 3/3 shooting. Meanwhile, Bacon added 13 points and 4 rebounds before the break. Dubai Basketball’s unselfish play stood out, as the team dished out 11 assists compared to just 4 from Fenerbahce Beko, heading into halftime with a 40:50 lead.

Third quarter: Fenerbahce rallies, Kondić shines

The reigning EuroLeague champions responded after the break, outscoring Dubai Basketball 28:19 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to just one point (68:69). Still, Kondić kept the visitors in front, drilling two crucial four-point plays to keep momentum alive. He finished the night with 19 points, providing a spark every time Fenerbahce threatened to take control.

Fourth quarter: Anđušić delivers the dagger

The final 10 minutes had everything: lead changes, clutch shooting, and defensive heroics. Danilo Anđušić erupted for 11 points in the fourth quarter, including the game’s decisive moment — a late-clock three-pointer to give Dubai Basketball a 89:91 lead with 1:20 remaining.

Fenerbahce Beko had chances to retake the lead, but Dubai Basketball’s defense stood tall. With 14 seconds left, Nick Ongenda came up with a massive block in the paint to seal the victory, completing a memorable preseason win for the visitors.

Key stats: Bench dominance and teamwork

Dubai Basketball’s ball movement and depth proved decisive. The team finished with 21 assists and only 8 turnovers, while the bench contributed a staggering 50 points.

Four players scored in double figures:

Danilo Anđušić– 22 points
Kosta Kondić– 19 points
Dwayne Bacon– 19 points
Justin Anderson– 17 points

-ENDS-

About Dubai Basketball:

Founded in 2023, Dubai Basketball is a newly established professional basketball franchise that plays in Europe’s EuroLeague and Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) League for the 2025/26 season. The franchise has assembled a strong roster of players led by Head Coach Aleksander Sekulić. The club plays their home games at Coca-Cola Arena.

Dubai Basketball stands as a testament to the power of passion and dedication in shaping the landscape of basketball in the UAE and beyond. Its foundation is built upon a diverse and talented team, consisting of FIBA-certified coaches, former professional players, business experts, and passionate enthusiasts.

Dubai Basketball is committed to catalysing positive social change, where dreams are not just envisioned but realised, talents are not merely found but nurtured, and aspirations are not only lived but fulfilled.