Dubai Basketball suffered a dramatic 98–95 overtime defeat to Real Madrid in the EuroLeague SuperCup semi-final. Dubai showed great character and effort throughout the game, but ultimately came up short after a hard-fought battle that went beyond regulation.

Elie Okobo reflected on the game and stressed the importance of maintaining focus and intensity for the entire 45 minutes.

“It was a tough game. We always want to win the first game of the season. We showed effort and character, but not in the whole game. We have to change that. We prepared well and had a good scouting plan, but what was missing was the details. There was a top block on the left that led to a shot to tie the game for them. We had turnovers that gave them opportunities to turn the corner and kick the ball out for threes”, said Okobo who thinks that his team needs to be focus in every minute of the game, because if you put your guard down teams like Real can use it and get back.

“It’s about being concentrated for 40 minutes, here more obviously, and that’s what we were missing tonight. We had a good moment in overtime and obviously made a good run, but to win the game, we have to play for all minutes. But, we’re going to move on and get ready for tomorrow’s game“, said Elie Okobo after his team loss in the semi-final of the EuroLeague SuperCup.