Dubai 89-75 KK Zadar: Second-Half Surge Seals ABA League Win

Dubai produced a commanding second-half performance to beat KK Zadar 89-75 in the Adriatic Basketball Association League on November 2, 2026. After trailing by a point at halftime, Dubai took control with a decisive third-quarter run and never let the Croatian side back into the game, securing a valuable home win in the ABA League standings.

Match overview

The opening half was tight and tactical, with both teams trading short runs. Dubai edged the first quarter 22-21, but Zadar responded in the second to take a 41-40 lead into the break. The game changed immediately after halftime. Dubai opened the third quarter with renewed defensive intensity, forced Zadar into contested shots, and built a double-digit advantage that held through the final period.

• Quarter scores: Dubai 22-21, 18-20, 27-16, 22-18
• Halftime: Dubai 40, KK Zadar 41
• Final: Dubai 89, KK Zadar 75

Key moments

The defining stretch came midway through the third quarter. Dubai strung together a 15-4 run, fueled by transition baskets and second-chance points, to turn a one-point deficit into a comfortable lead. Zadar called timeout, but Dubai’s momentum continued. A pair of late third-quarter three-pointers pushed the margin to 13, and Zadar never recovered.

Zadar briefly threatened early in the fourth, cutting the lead to eight, but Dubai answered with a calm possession that ended in an and-one. From there, the home side controlled the tempo and closed the game at the free-throw line.

Tactical story

Dubai’s second-half adjustment to a more compact defensive shape was the difference. The home team limited Zadar’s driving lanes, forced difficult perimeter attempts, and controlled the defensive glass. On offense, Dubai moved the ball quickly and attacked closeouts, generating open looks from beyond the arc and easy finishes inside.

Zadar relied heavily on its half-court execution and perimeter shooting, but the shots stopped falling after halftime. The visitors also struggled with turnovers in key moments, allowing Dubai to score in transition and build separation.

Standout performers

• Marcus Reed (Dubai): 21 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals, controlling the game in the second half.
• Daniel Osei (Dubai): 18 points and 10 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence.
• Luka Marin (KK Zadar): 19 points and 5 rebounds, keeping Zadar competitive in the first half.
• Ivan Perić (KK Zadar): 12 points and 7 rebounds, battling on the boards.

Season impact

The victory strengthens Dubai’s position in the ABA League standings and adds an important head-to-head result against a respected regional opponent. For KK Zadar, the loss is a missed opportunity to build momentum, though the team remains competitive in the league table. Dubai will look to carry the second-half formula — defensive pressure, balanced scoring, and efficient transition play — into its next fixtures.