Fenerbahçe defeated Dubai 76-66 at the Ulker Sports and Event Hall in Istanbul, extending Sarunas Jasikevicius’s head-to-head coaching record against Xavi Pascual to 4-0. The EuroLeague matchup featured two former FC Barcelona bench bosses guiding clubs regarded as candidates for the Final Four, with the home side taking control behind a dominant performance from newcomer Marcus Bingham.
Marcus Bingham Leads Istanbul Dominance
Marcus Bingham anchored the Fenerbahçe victory with 20 points and eight rebounds, establishing himself among the premier centers in the competition following his transfer from Unics Kazan. The debutant outplayed Mfiondu Kabengele in the interior. Wade Baldwin IV contributed 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists, and Braxton Key added 12 points and eight rebounds to secure the double-digit margin.
Xavi Pascual Falls Short Despite Okobo’s Efforts
Dubai suffered its first loss of the campaign as Élie Okobo’s 18 points proved insufficient to overcome the Istanbul defense. Dwayne Bacon and Matthew Wright IV chipped in 12 points apiece for Pascual’s squad, but the visiting team failed to sustain its unbeatability against Jasikevicius.
The Jasikevicius-Pascual Coaching Rivalry
The result moves Jasikevicius to 4-0 in meetings against Pascual. The Lithuanian tactician previously swept two tight regular-season games last year during the Barça – Fenerbahçe matchups, winning 72-71 and 78-82, before defeating Pascual again 85-77 in the EuroLeague Supercup third-place game. Both managers spent years shaping the bench at the Palau Blaugrana.
Fenerbahçe Solidifies Position as Dubai Seeks Rebound
The win solidifies Fenerbahçe’s position as the EuroLeague schedule intensifies. Dubai looks to rebound in its next continental fixture, aiming to recapture the form that characterized its undefeated start. Both clubs continue their push through the regular-season calendar with sights set on the postseason bracket.
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