Dubai Basketball defeated Virtus Bologna 93-75 on Friday, November 6, earning its first win over the Italian side after losing both meetings last season.
McKinley Wright and Mfiondu Kabengele scored 16 points apiece as Dubai produced a balanced performance at PalaDozza. Seven players finished with at least 10 points, while the visitors improved to 7-3 in the EuroLeague.
The victory also came on an emotional night for Toko Shengelia, who returned to Bologna after spending most of four seasons with Virtus. The Georgian forward received a pregame tribute, with his family joining him on the court as home fans chanted his name.
Shengelia finished with 14 points and moved within 11 of reaching 4,000 career EuroLeague points. He would become the competition’s ninth player to reach that milestone.
Dubai took control through its offensive efficiency and work on the boards. The visitors shot 59.1% on two-pointers and 47.1% from three-point range, while collecting 37 rebounds against Virtus’ 32.
Xavi Pascual’s team also built separation after halftime. Dwayne Bacon scored eight quick points midway through the third quarter, helping Dubai extend its advantage before Shengelia capped the period with a spectacular buzzer-beater from midcourt.
Dubai entered the fourth quarter leading 76-53 and maintained control despite Virtus’ attempts to reduce the deficit. Trent Frazier, Rasheed Bello and Aliou Diarra helped the hosts compete late, but Wright and Elie Okobo managed the closing minutes.
Diarra led Virtus with 19 points, while Williams Moore added 15 and Frazier scored 12. Virtus shot just 25.9% from three-point range, making seven of 27 attempts.
The only setback for Dubai was Mamadi Diakite’s inability to finish the game because of an injury. He played less than three minutes.
Dubai sits sixth in the standings with a 7-3 record, level with several teams near the top. Virtus fell to 4-6 and 15th place after its second consecutive meeting with Dubai ended in defeat.
Dubai visits Olympiacos on Thursday, November 12, while Virtus travels to Anadolu Efes on Friday, November 13.
