BC Dubai Stuns Crvena Zvezda for Historic First Win in Club’s Debut Game
Newly-founded BC Dubai made history with an 86-84 victory over reigning Adriatic League champions Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in their first-ever official game. The thrilling contest took place at a sold-out Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE, marking a momentous start for the Dubai-based club.
BC Dubai established an early 17-point lead, with Nate Mason leading the charge by scoring 18 points (8/16 FG) in just 26 minutes. Veterans Awudu Abass and Klemen Prepelic were also key contributors, adding 17 and 16 points respectively. Despite a strong comeback attempt by Crvena Zvezda, Dubai held on in the closing moments to secure the win.
Nikola Kalinic, in his third stint with Zvezda, led his team with 16 points, making 4 of his 7 three-point attempts. Zvezda had four more players scoring in double digits, including Isaiah Canaan with 13 points, Luka Mitrovic with 12 points and 6 rebounds, Nemanja Nedovic with 11 points, and Codi Miller-McIntyre with 10 points and 4 assists.
Zvezda managed to tie the game at 63 late in the third quarter after trailing early, but BC Dubai finished strong in crunch time, denying the EuroLeague side a season-opening win for the first time in a decade.
