Dubai Basketball overturn Baskonia after the break to win at the Buesa

Dubai Basketball took control against Kosner Baskonia at the Buesa Arena on Tuesday, winning 93-79 in the fifth round of the EuroLeague. After a difficult start, Xavi Pascual’s team changed the course of the game with a strong, physical second half and claimed its first away win. Dubai was stronger in the paint and also withstood the home side’s push, with Elie Okobo and Dwayne Bacon among those helping to hold it off.

Baskonia had opened with a 14-2 run, led by Tadas Sedekerskis, who made all nine of his points during that spell. Mfiondu Kabengele then began to assert himself near the basket. Flip Petrusev put Dubai ahead 25-23 with a three-pointer at the buzzer. The visiting side entered the bonus early, allowing Baskonia to benefit at the free-throw line. Damion Baugh’s third personal foul also affected the rotation at point guard. A three-pointer from Chris Duarte gave Baskonia some breathing room, however, as the hosts made it difficult for Dubai to score inside.

Speed helped Dubai regain the initiative. The home side’s offensive problems continued after the break. In the third quarter, Chris Duarte led a response that Bacon and Okobo helped contain, while Dubai kept the lead at 70-62.

Thomas Walkup then helped launch an 8-0 run at the start of the final quarter, opening up the game. Baskonia failed to convert all its free throws, and its first field goal of the period came with five minutes remaining. Dubai consequently managed a comfortable closing stretch and completed the 93-79 win.

For Baskonia, Sedekerskis finished with 13 points, Duarte with 11 and Santos with 10. Petrusev scored 17 for Dubai, followed by Kabengele with 16, Bacon with 15 and Okobo with 14. Their contributions reflected Dubai’s advantage in the paint and the part its key players played in keeping Baskonia’s comeback attempt at bay.