Dubai Basketball survive late drama to seize home win vs. Split

2024/25 AdmiralBet ABA League Round 28, Sunday, 20 April 2025:

DUBAI BASKETBALL – Split 87:82 (28:17, 21:17, 23:26, 15:22)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game recap: Dubai Basketball extended their impressive winning streak to 11 games after edging out Split in a thrilling 87:82 victory. With this win, Dubai Basketball improved to 23-5 on the season, keeping themselves firmly in the race for the top spots in the regular season standings.

Despite falling short, Split delivered a valiant second-half comeback, showing resilience and grit after trailing by 15 at halftime. Their record now stands at 8-20 – which puts them safely away from the bottom of the table, but outside the Playoffs picture.

Dubai Basketball looked in full control during the first half, dictating the pace and executing efficiently on both ends of the floor. The hosts built a 49:34 halftime lead, largely thanks to sharp shooting and solid defensive rotations.

However, Split regrouped after the break. Behind their energized defense and balanced offense, they chipped away at the lead and eventually took a stunning 81:82 advantage late in the fourth quarter - threatening to snap Dubai’s winning streak.

But in the final moments, clutch gene kicked in for Dubai Basketball.

Key moments: With less than 90 seconds left on the clock and Dubai Basketball trailing by one, Nemanja Dangubić and Awudu Abass stepped up under pressure. Both knocked down back-to-back three-pointers from the left corner, turning the deficit into a decisive lead—sealing the deal for the home side – 87:82.

Man of the match: Davis Bertans (Dubai Basketball).

The Latvian sharpshooter was unstoppable on the night. Davis Bertans dropped 25 points, hitting 6 three-pointers, and constantly stretching Split’s defense with his movement and quick release. His offensive firepower was crucial in building the first-half lead and keeping Dubai Basketball competitive throughout.

Can’t trick the stats: There is a big difference in the number of assists made by each team. While Dubai Basketball delivered 23 assists today, Split made only 8 assists for the entire match.