Fenerbahce Hold Off Dubai in Istanbul to Stay Perfect!

The visitors made a brighter start, but the Turkish powerhouse quickly took control before fending off a strong second-half push from Dubai. Dubai opened the contest with a 6-0 run behind points from Mfiondu Kabengele and Elie Okobo, but Fenerbahce soon found their rhythm. Sarunas Jasikevicius's side completely shut down their opponents for the rest of the first quarter, limiting them to just eight points while racking up 26 of their own to establish a double-digit lead.

Dubai looked vastly improved in the second period, however. Both teams found their offensive flow in a much higher-scoring quarter, as the visitors managed to wipe out most of the deficit courtesy of strong stretches from Dwayne Bacon and Mamadi Diakite. With Wade Baldwin and Talen Horton-Tucker carrying virtually the entire scoring load for Fenerbahce during that stretch, the hosts headed into the halftime break holding a narrow 42-39 lead.

The third quarter produced a completely different dynamic, turning into a defensive grind with just 25 combined points—Fenerbahce scoring 13 to Dubai's 12—giving the hosts a four-point cushion heading into the final ten minutes. Dubai refused to go away, with Okobo stepping up with crucial baskets to pull his team within one with six minutes remaining. With four and a half minutes left on the clock, the scores were level at 61-61.

Fenerbahce responded out of a timeout with a 4-0 run through Braxton Key and Shavon Shields. Although Okobo continued to cause problems for the home defense, Fenerbahce held firm. With three minutes to play, they had rebuilt a five-point advantage, with Shields, Key, and Marcus Bingham steering the hosts down the stretch.

The final quarter also proved to be a low-scoring affair. Fenerbahce posted 21 points to Dubai's 15, which was enough for the Turkish side to protect their lead and secure a 76-66 victory.

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