Dubai – Barcelona 83–78: Racket dominance and historic EuroLeague win
Dubai Basketball (3–2) posted the biggest win of its short EuroLeague run, defeating Barcelona (3–2) 83–78 at home in Game 5. Jurica Golemac’s team presented an impressive image, dominating the racket and the airwaves from the first to the last minute.
Explosive start and absolute control of the racket
The hosts got off to an impressive start, hitting their first seven 2-pointers before even attempting their first 3-pointer midway through the first period. Filip Petrusev and Fiondou Kabegele led the offensive outburst, scoring 13 of the first 18 points for Dubai, which took an early double-digit lead.
Golematch’s strategy of “hitting” inside the racket paid off again in the second half. Petrusev was terrific in the third period with 12 points, while Dwayne Bacon constantly punished the Catalan defense with his penetration.
Decisive three points in the final
Although Dubai did not rely particularly on three-pointers, in the last five minutes they found a rhythm from the perimeter as well. Davis Bertans hit two 3-pointers in a span of 70 seconds, while Klemen Prepelic added another, forcing Barcelona to “open up” their defense.
In the final minutes, the hosts “sealed” the victory the way they played all night: inside the racket. Bacon scored a crucial layup, Petrusev hit a mid-range shot and Bacon finished the job with a layup.
Petrusev shone, Kabegele “swallowed” the rebounds
Philip Petrusev finished with a game-high 23 points (5/9 2-pointers, 7/7 shooting), while Dwayne Bacon added 20 points on 8/10 2-pointers. Fiondu Kabegele had a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds in one of the most complete performances of the night.
Defensively, Dubai limited Barcelona to 37.2% 2-point shooting (16/43) and won the rebounding battle 46–39. Justin Anderson’s commanding cut on Kevin Pander in the final seconds “sealed” the victory.
The continuation for both teams
Dubai will travel to France to face ASVEL, while Barcelona return to their home base for their next game against Zalgiris Kaunas.
This victory is a statement of momentum for the newly enlightened team, which just two days after its return from Istanbul, presented one of the most complete performances of the season.
