Dubai Challenges the Top Two; Mornar on the Court for 13 Minutes
Noah Tomason struggled with his rhythm, finishing with only eight points. Photo: KK Mornar Barsko zlato/Mediapro
Mornar Barsko Zlato faced a predictable defeat at “Topolica,” where they hosted Dubai in the 27th round of the Admiralbet ABA League, ending the game at 71:83.
Despite a strong start, the home team, which is bidding farewell to the elite regional basketball league due to poor performance this season, played well until the second quarter. However, Jurica Golemac’s squad showcased their quality and impressive form, clinching their tenth consecutive victory.
Mornar briefly led 28:26 after a three-pointer from Donald Pember, but an ensuing 10-0 run from the visiting team allowed Dubai to control the game, ultimately securing their tenth straight win, which positioned them alongside Partizan and Buducnost in the standings, though they have a game in hand.
– Dubai is a strong team, with two high-quality players at each position, and sometimes three. At certain moments, we played well, but their deep bench was challenging for our younger players to match when the starters were substituted. They’re a proficient shooting team, with every player capable of hitting three-pointers, which makes it tough to defend. Nevertheless, we can take pride in the stretch of good basketball we exhibited in Bar, – said Mihailo Pavićević, coach of Mornar.
Mornar’s tally now stands at just two wins, and they remain mathematically safe from relegation, as Cibona has four wins and a game less. The Barani need to win three remaining matches while expecting Cibona to lose all four. Upcoming fixtures for Mornar include Zadar, Split, and Igokea, whereas Cibona faces Cedevita Olimpija, followed by games against Mega, Spartak, and an away match against Borac in Čačak.
Donald Pember was the standout player for Mornar with 20 points, while Lovro Runjić added 15 and Lovro Buljević contributed 13.
For the visitors, Klemen Prepelič and Danilo Andjušić both scored 14 points. Nate Mason and Jerry Butsielje added 12 points each, with Avudu Abbas chipping in 10 points.
MORNAR – DUBAI 71:83 (21:24, 14:24, 14:19, 22:16)
Venue: Bar – “Topolica” Hall. Attendance: 586. Officials: Obrknežević, Ćalić, Milićević (Serbia).
Mornar: Kovačević, Rogić, Tomason 8, Ćubić, Runjić 15, Buljević 13, Carter 4, Pember 20, Komnenović 4, Bulatović 3, Peković 2, Radetić 2.
Dubai: Ravena, Mason 12, Dangubic, Abbas 10, Prepelic 14, Bertans 6, Taylor 4, Williams 5, Butsiel 12, Andjusic 14, Radosevic, Duverioglu 6.
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