In a nail-biting finish, Dubai Basketball pulled off a dramatic 80-79 win against Spartak Subotica, improving their ABA League record to 4-1. The victory came courtesy of Isaiah Taylor’s last-second drive to the basket, which sealed the game with just two seconds remaining on the clock.
The match was a rollercoaster, especially in the final moments. With only 55 seconds left, Spartak’s star player and MVP candidate, Rasir Bolton, stepped up to the free-throw line but converted just one of two attempts, keeping the game tightly contested. This set the stage for Taylor’s heroics as he drove to the rim for the game-winning basket, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Dubai’s win resulted from a balanced team effort. NBA veteran Davis Bertans was a standout performer, sinking five of six three-point attempts and finishing the night with 17 points. Team captain Klemen Prepelic and fan favorite Awudu Abass were equally impressive, each recording seven rebounds and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
Head coach Jurica Golemac commended his players for their resilience and expressed gratitude to the supportive home crowd at Coca-Cola Arena. “We need to improve, but winning a close game like this gives us confidence,” Golemac said. “I give credit to the guys for their character and determination. The fans really energized us; their belief helped us push through.”
The game turned around with just over 2:30 left on the clock, as Spartak had built a five-point lead. However, fueled by their vocal supporters, Dubai Basketball mounted a comeback that culminated in Taylor’s decisive score.
In a show of solidarity, the team marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donning special pink warm-up jerseys before the game, while the Coca-Cola Arena was lit up in pink to honor the cause.
Dubai Basketball will look to build on this momentum when they face Cibona in Zagreb on October 26 for the first of three consecutive away games. They will return to the Coca-Cola Arena on November 17 to take on KRKA.
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